Surgical Nursing Overview

Surgical Nursing Overview

• A specialized field of nursing that focuses on providing care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures
• Surgical nurses work in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and physicians' offices

Preoperative Care

• Assessing patients' physical and emotional status before surgery
• Educating patients about the surgical procedure, anesthesia, and postoperative care
• Administering medications and fluids as prescribed
• Preparing patients for anesthesia and surgery

Intraoperative Care

• Assisting surgeons and anesthesiologists during surgery
• Maintaining a sterile environment and monitoring equipment
• Providing emotional support to patients during surgery
• Managing patient's vital signs and fluids during surgery

Postoperative Care

• Monitoring patients for complications and adverse reactions
• Managing pain and discomfort
• Providing wound care and dressing changes
• Educating patients about postoperative care and follow-up instructions
• Assisting with rehabilitation and recovery

Surgical Nursing Roles

• Circulating nurse: responsible for maintaining a sterile environment and managing equipment during surgery
• Scrub nurse: assists surgeons during surgery by providing instruments and supplies
• Recovery room nurse: cares for patients immediately after surgery

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and prioritize patient safety
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, equipment, and supplies

Specialized Areas of Surgical Nursing

• Cardiovascular surgery
• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric surgery
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Transplant surgery

Continuing Education and Certification

• Surgical nurses must stay current with advances in surgical techniques and technology
• Certification options include Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) and Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

Surgical Nursing Overview

• Surgical nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on providing care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Surgical nurses work in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and physicians' offices.

Preoperative Care

• Assess patients' physical and emotional status before surgery.
• Educate patients about the surgical procedure, anesthesia, and postoperative care.
• Administer medications and fluids as prescribed.
• Prepare patients for anesthesia and surgery.

Intraoperative Care

• Assist surgeons and anesthesiologists during surgery.
• Maintain a sterile environment and monitor equipment.
• Provide emotional support to patients during surgery.
• Manage patients' vital signs and fluids during surgery.

Postoperative Care

• Monitor patients for complications and adverse reactions.
• Manage pain and discomfort.
• Provide wound care and dressing changes.
• Educate patients about postoperative care and follow-up instructions.
• Assist with rehabilitation and recovery.

Surgical Nursing Roles

• Circulating nurse: maintains a sterile environment and manages equipment during surgery.
• Scrub nurse: assists surgeons during surgery by providing instruments and supplies.
• Recovery room nurse: cares for patients immediately after surgery.

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and prioritize patient safety.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, equipment, and supplies.

Specialized Areas of Surgical Nursing

• Cardiovascular surgery.
• Neurosurgery.
• Orthopedic surgery.
• Pediatric surgery.
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Transplant surgery.

Continuing Education and Certification

• Surgical nurses must stay current with advances in surgical techniques and technology.
• Certification options include Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) and Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).

Learn about surgical nursing, a specialized field of nursing that focuses on providing care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.