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Brendon
Student
Rochester, Minnesota
6
Questions
Updated
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What is it like to be a perioperative nurse?
Hello I am a 10th grader that is interested in working in the surgical field and i am looking to interview a Perioperative Nurse. What does your day to day life look like? What is your cost of living? Do you get a livable wage? What type of skills are needed? What is your work environment like? What type of education is needed?
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2 answers
Abeeha Alvi
Healthcare provider/ Nutritionist/Dietitian
2
Answers
Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
Abeeha’s Answer
Being a perioperative nurse can be a dynamic and rewarding experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. Perioperative nursing, also known as operating room nursing, involves providing care to patients before, during, and after surgery. Here are some aspects of what it's like to be a perioperative nurse:
Preoperative Care:
Assessment: Perioperative nurses assess patients before surgery, gathering information about their medical history, current health status, and any medications they may be taking.
Patient Education: They educate patients about the surgical process, what to expect, and how to prepare for surgery. This includes providing information about preoperative procedures and addressing any concerns the patient may have.
Intraoperative Care:
Collaboration: Perioperative nurses work closely with the surgical team, which includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial during surgery.
Instrumentation: They assist with the preparation of the operating room, ensuring that all necessary equipment and instruments are available and sterile.
Postoperative Care:
Recovery: After surgery, perioperative nurses monitor patients in the recovery room, assessing vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring a smooth transition from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
Patient Advocacy: They advocate for the well-being of patients, ensuring that their needs are met, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
Adaptability:
Fast-Paced Environment: The perioperative environment is often fast-paced and can be stressful. Nurses need to adapt quickly to changing situations and prioritize patient safety.
Attention to Detail:
Sterile Technique: Perioperative nurses must maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. Adhering to strict infection control protocols and attention to detail are essential.
Continuing Education:
Stay Updated: Given the constantly evolving nature of healthcare, perioperative nurses need to stay updated on the latest surgical techniques, technologies, and best practices through ongoing education and training.
Emotional Support:
Patient and Family Support: Providing emotional support to patients and their families is an integral part of perioperative nursing. Patients may experience anxiety before surgery, and families may have concerns. Nurses play a crucial role in addressing these emotional needs.
Varied Specialties:
Specialized Areas: Perioperative nursing includes various specialties such as scrub nurse, circulating nurse, and post-anesthesia care nurse. Each role has its own responsibilities and challenges.
While the role can be demanding, many perioperative nurses find it fulfilling to be part of a team that plays a vital role in improving patients' health and well-being through surgical interventions.
Preoperative Care:
Assessment: Perioperative nurses assess patients before surgery, gathering information about their medical history, current health status, and any medications they may be taking.
Patient Education: They educate patients about the surgical process, what to expect, and how to prepare for surgery. This includes providing information about preoperative procedures and addressing any concerns the patient may have.
Intraoperative Care:
Collaboration: Perioperative nurses work closely with the surgical team, which includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial during surgery.
Instrumentation: They assist with the preparation of the operating room, ensuring that all necessary equipment and instruments are available and sterile.
Postoperative Care:
Recovery: After surgery, perioperative nurses monitor patients in the recovery room, assessing vital signs, managing pain, and ensuring a smooth transition from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).
Patient Advocacy: They advocate for the well-being of patients, ensuring that their needs are met, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.
Adaptability:
Fast-Paced Environment: The perioperative environment is often fast-paced and can be stressful. Nurses need to adapt quickly to changing situations and prioritize patient safety.
Attention to Detail:
Sterile Technique: Perioperative nurses must maintain a sterile environment in the operating room. Adhering to strict infection control protocols and attention to detail are essential.
Continuing Education:
Stay Updated: Given the constantly evolving nature of healthcare, perioperative nurses need to stay updated on the latest surgical techniques, technologies, and best practices through ongoing education and training.
Emotional Support:
Patient and Family Support: Providing emotional support to patients and their families is an integral part of perioperative nursing. Patients may experience anxiety before surgery, and families may have concerns. Nurses play a crucial role in addressing these emotional needs.
Varied Specialties:
Specialized Areas: Perioperative nursing includes various specialties such as scrub nurse, circulating nurse, and post-anesthesia care nurse. Each role has its own responsibilities and challenges.
While the role can be demanding, many perioperative nurses find it fulfilling to be part of a team that plays a vital role in improving patients' health and well-being through surgical interventions.
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
82
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Good question
Perioperative nurse basically work within the operative room and they assist in the operation,they work hand in hand with the surgeon to ensure that the operation is successful.
It's a sub specialist in nursing after having completed the Registered Nurse course.
Perioperative nurse basically work within the operative room and they assist in the operation,they work hand in hand with the surgeon to ensure that the operation is successful.
It's a sub specialist in nursing after having completed the Registered Nurse course.