My step by step day as circulating nurse!
Let me walk you through my role as a circulating nurse…
Pre-Op Prep:
Get there early: I usually arrive a bit early to check the schedule and get ready for the day.
Set up the OR: I make sure the operating room is all clean and ready. I check equipment, arrange sterile supplies, and make sure everything is in place.
Review patient charts: I go over the patient’s info, check the surgical procedure, and make sure all the consent forms are in order.
Confirm the surgical site: We do a “time-out” to double-check everything—who the patient is, what surgery they’re having, and the correct site for surgery.
During Surgery:
Monitor the room: I keep an eye on the temperature, lighting, and equipment to make sure everything’s working smoothly.
Assist with positioning: I help position the patient on the table so they’re comfortable and secure.
Get supplies ready: If the team needs something, I’m the one grabbing extra tools, meds, or whatever they need.
Take notes: I document everything—when the surgery starts, what’s happening during the procedure, meds given, specimens collected, etc.
Keep communication flowing: I make sure everyone’s on the same page—whether it’s passing along a message or ensuring the team has everything they need.
Ensure patient safety: It’s my job to look out for anything that could be a risk, like making sure everything’s sterile and the patient is positioned safely.
Post-Op:
Help transfer the patient: Once the surgery is over, I assist moving the patient to recovery safely.
Clean up the OR: After the surgery, I help clean and prep the room for the next procedure.
Handle specimens: If there are any tissue samples or specimens, I make sure they’re labeled and sent to the lab.
Record everything: I document the end of the surgery, any issues, and update the team about the patient’s condition.
End of Shift:
Get ready for the next case: I prep the OR for the next surgery, making sure we’re stocked up and ready.
Handoff: I give a report to the next nurse about what happened during the case, so they’re all set for the next one.
Restock and clean up: I help restock supplies and make sure everything’s ready for the next shift.
It’s a fast-paced job, but it’s super rewarding knowing I’m playing a part in making sure the surgeries go smoothly and the patients are safe. It’s also very routine once you get the hang of it, which is why I love it so much. Super type A people THRIVE here!! Let me know if you want more details or have any questions!
#lemon8partner #dayinthelife #nursing #surgicalnurse #operatingroomnurse
Circulating nurses play a pivotal role in the surgical team, ensuring that every step of the procedure runs seamlessly. They engage in a meticulous pre-operative process, preparing equipment and confirming patient data to minimize risks. During surgery, their responsibilities extend to monitoring various aspects of the operating room environment, facilitating communication among the surgical team, and ensuring patient safety at every turn. In post-operative care, circulating nurses assist with transferring patients and managing specimens for lab analysis. Their ability to balance multiple tasks and adapt to the dynamic surgical environment makes them essential to patient care. For anyone interested in pursuing a career in surgical nursing, it’s beneficial to understand the educational requirements, including obtaining a nursing degree and passing licensure exams. Additionally, practical experience through internships or rotations in surgical departments is invaluable. Engaging with professional nursing organizations can provide further insights and networking opportunities in this specialized field.
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