Day in the life as a scrub nurse in surgery!
-Check in with the charge nurse to see your assignment for the day. The assignments show what cases you will be in for the day as well as who your circulating nurse is. You can range from having one long case to 6 smaller/shorter cases. Each day looks different, which keeps it interesting.m
- Head to your room. Before setting up your sterile field, you check over your case cart. The case cart holds all the trays that are needed for your case. You also have to check over your “pick” which is all the supplies we need for the case to be successful. More times than not, you will need to grab a few more supplies and call down to sterile processing for a tray or two. Once this is done you can begin to set up your sterile table!
- You begin by sterile opening up all the supplies onto your sterile back table and then you scrub in
- Scrubbing in requires you to properly scrub your hands and arms. You have to sterile gown and glove yourself and then you are ready to set up your sterile table!
- Organizing your table can optimize success during the surgery case.
- Once your table is organized and you have checked to make sure you have everything you need instrument and supply-wise, you can tell your circulating nurse you are ready for the patient to come back to the operating room!
- During the surgery you assist the surgeon by handing him each instrument he needs/get him any other supplies he wants by asking the circulating nurse to do so! Remember you’re sterile so you can’t leave the sterile field.
- Once the case is done, you clean up and do it again!!
As you can see, the operating room is very routine and orderly, which is why I love it so much! Anyone that is a type A person usually does very well in these settings!
If anyone has any further questions about being a scrub nurse, let me know in the comments below!
#lemon8partner #nursing #nurse #surgicalnurse #nursingschool
The role of a scrub nurse in surgery is pivotal, ensuring that procedures run smoothly and safely. Upon checking in with the charge nurse, the scrub nurse receives their assignments, which can vary greatly from day to day, adding an element of unpredictability to the job. Each case involves meticulous preparation, including organizing a sterile field and checking instrumentation to ensure everything is in place for the surgical team. Understanding how to efficiently manage the sterile field and work closely with the circulating nurse is crucial for a smooth operation. The scrub nurse must be adept at anticipating the needs of the surgeon, providing instruments promptly while maintaining sterility. Communication and teamwork are essential in these high-stakes environments, where patient safety is paramount. Moreover, scrub nurses must remain composed and focused during surgeries, which can sometimes take several hours. Their attention to detail, organization skills, and ability to handle pressure significantly contribute to the surgical team’s overall performance. If you're considering a career in this field or are simply curious about what it takes to be a scrub nurse, understanding the realities of their daily routines can provide valuable insights.
Thank you for all you do!