Surgical Nurse
A Surgical Nurse assists in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other surgical personnel, primarily in hospitals.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Surgical Nurse
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As a Surgical Nurse at the entry-level, you'll be an integral part of the perioperative nursing team. Your role will involve assisting in the care of patients undergoing surgery, working under the supervision of senior nurses and surgical staff to ensure that all procedures are carried out safely and effectively. You'll need to be highly organized, compassionate, and have a keen eye for detail to excel in this role.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical skills with a focus on surgical nursing.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to function effectively in a high-pressure environment.
- Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Comfortable with the use of technology, including electronic health records.
Qualifications
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a commitment to earn BSN within a specified timeframe.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred or required within a specified timeframe.
- Completion of a perioperative nursing course/training or willingness to undergo training.
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening.
Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of the operating room for surgical procedures.
- Ensure that all surgical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and organized.
- Provide direct patient care before, during, and after surgeries.
- Monitor patients' vital signs and alert the surgical team to any irregularities.
- Document all nursing interventions and patient responses in the patient's medical record.
- Assist with the collection of specimens for laboratory analysis.
- Educate patients and their families about postoperative care and any necessary follow-up procedures.
- Collaborate with the rest of the surgical team to ensure a safe and supportive environment for patient care.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An experienced Surgical Nurse to provide high-quality patient care during pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases, ensuring safety and adherence to medical procedures. The ideal candidate will work closely with surgeons and healthcare professionals to facilitate comprehensive surgical care.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical skills with the ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
- Ability to maintain focus and professional demeanor during critical moments.
- Proficient in using medical software and patient management systems.
Qualifications
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent.
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
- 2-5 years of surgical nursing experience.
- Experience in a high-volume surgical setting is preferred.
- Familiarity with hospital health, safety, and sanitation standards and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Prepare patients for surgery, performing tasks such as washing and disinfecting incision sites.
- Assist surgeons during operations by passing them instruments and other sterile supplies.
- Monitor patients' vital signs and update records throughout surgical procedures.
- Administer medications and monitor pain levels post-surgery.
- Ensure all surgical instruments and equipment are accounted for before and after procedures.
- Educate patients and their families about postoperative care and potential complications.
- Maintain a sterile operating environment to prevent infection.
- Collaborate with the surgical team to plan and implement patient care plans.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Surgical Nurse to join our dynamic healthcare team. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of experience in a surgical setting, demonstrating exceptional patient care, an in-depth understanding of perioperative nursing procedures, and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Required Skills
- Strong clinical skills with a focus on surgical and sterile techniques.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Advanced knowledge of surgical instruments and procedures.
- Commitment to continuing education and professional development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent degree.
- Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Completion of a certified perioperative nursing program.
- Minimum of five years’ experience in surgical nursing.
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
- Possess a current Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) credential.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with surgical teams and coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure high-quality patient care before, during, and after surgeries.
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in a surgical setting.
- Maintain a sterile environment in the operating room, adhere to infection control protocols, and ensure the safety and privacy of patients at all times.
- Monitor patients' vital signs, administer medications, and assist with surgical procedures as needed.
- Provide preoperative and postoperative education and counseling to patients and their families.
- Manage and operate medical equipment and instruments used during surgeries.
- Respond effectively to emergencies and provide critical care interventions as required.
- Document all patient interactions and surgical interventions accurately and in a timely manner.
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