Inside the OR: Nurses Role During Robotic Surgery
Ever wondered what a nurse’s role is during robotic surgery? While the surgeon operates the robotic console, the OR team—especially the circulating nurse—plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful procedure.
During a robotic hernia repair, the surgeon uses robotic instruments to make precise movements with minimal incisions, which means less pain and a quicker recovery for the patient. But behind the scenes, nurses are the ones keeping everything running efficiently.
Here’s what I do as a circulating nurse in robotic surgery:
1. Set up the robotic system & ensure everything is sterile before the procedure starts
2. Position the patient correctly to give the surgeon the best access
3. Anticipate the surgeon’s needs by following the live footage on large screens
4. Assist in instrument changes, troubleshooting, and safety checks throughout the surgery
5. Communicate with the surgical team to ensure everything runs smoothly
One of my favorite things about working in the OR is being at the center of high-tech, cutting-edge procedures while also playing a key role in patient care. It’s a fast-paced environment that requires critical thinking, adaptability, and teamwork—but that’s what makes it so rewarding! If you’ve ever considered OR nursing, what questions do you have? Drop them below!
It's amazing how much goes into a robotic surgery, even before the surgeon makes the first incision! As a circulating nurse, my role is just one piece of the puzzle, and I often work hand-in-hand with our Certified Surgical Technologists (CSTs). While I'm focused on the overall flow, documentation, and patient monitoring, the CST is right there at the sterile field, managing the robotic instruments and ensuring everything is meticulously prepared for the surgeon. They're literally grabbing those 'supplies & instruments for the robot' that I mentioned earlier, making sure the right tools are available and sterile, ready for deployment. One of the most critical aspects we collaborate on is patient positioning, especially for procedures like a robotic hysterectomy or other gynecological surgeries. These often require specific positions, such as the Trendelenburg position (where the patient's head is lower than their feet) to allow gravity to shift organs away from the surgical site, providing better visualization for the surgeon. For a robot assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy, patients are typically in a modified lithotomy position, where their legs are supported in stirrups, allowing access to the perineum while also maintaining the Trendelenburg tilt. My job is to ensure proper padding and support to prevent nerve damage or pressure sores – it’s a delicate balance that requires precision, just like the robot itself. We meticulously check and recheck, making sure everything is secure before we even begin to 'DEPLOY FOR DRAPING.' Speaking of robots, many people ask about the specific systems we use. The 'Da Vinci' surgical system is a prime example, and it’s truly incredible technology. It consists of a surgeon console, a patient-side cart with robotic arms, and a vision cart. My role involves ensuring all these components are correctly docked and calibrated. Before we even start, we go through a rigorous checklist to make sure the robotic system is functioning perfectly. This includes ensuring the sterile drapes are correctly applied to the robotic arms and that the camera and instruments are properly inserted. This meticulous 'set up for a robotic hernia repair,' or any other robotic procedure, is absolutely vital for patient safety and surgical success. The pictures you see of robotic surgery often highlight the complex machinery, but behind every successful procedure is a dedicated team. From the moment we prepare the patient, to ensuring all the 'supplies & instruments for the robot' are ready, to the final 'Ready to go!' confirmation, every step is a team effort. We constantly communicate, troubleshoot minor issues, and anticipate changes, making sure the surgeon has everything needed to perform their best. It's a high-stakes, high-reward environment, and knowing we contribute to better patient outcomes makes every challenging moment worth it. If you're considering a career in OR nursing or as a CST, know that you'll be at the forefront of medical innovation, playing a truly indispensable role.
So cool wish I can work in the OR but I am scared of seeing people get cut