How to Be Surgical Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 3, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Surgical Nurses play an important role in the successful outcomes of surgeries. They are responsible for pre-operative assessment and preparation of patients, providing support during the procedure, and post-operative care and follow-up. By ensuring that patients are stable and well-informed, Surgical Nurses help reduce stress levels and anxiety for the patient, which in turn leads to a smoother and safer operation.

Surgical Nurses help to monitor the patients vital signs and administer medication as needed, further contributing to successful outcomes. Through their attention to detail, strong communication skills, and knowledge of medical technology, Surgical Nurses are essential for successful surgeries.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. To become a surgical nurse, you must first complete high school or obtain a GED.
Complete a Nursing Program. After obtaining a high school diploma or GED, the next step is to complete an accredited nursing program. This can include a two-year associate degree program, a four-year bachelors degree program, or a diploma program at a hospital.
Obtain a Nursing License. Once you have completed a nursing program, you must then obtain a license from the state in which you plan to work as a nurse.
Complete Surgical Nurse Training. After obtaining your nursing license, you can then apply for a position as a surgical nurse or surgical assistant. You will need to complete on-the-job training and courses specifically designed for surgical nurses in order to become qualified for the position.
Obtain Certification. You may also choose to obtain certification in surgical nursing from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting in order to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Becoming an ideal and qualified surgical nurse requires many skills, training, and experience. First, a passion for helping others and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of patients is essential. Education is also critical, with prospective nurses required to get a degree in nursing and pass the necessary examinations.

Experience is just as important; working in a hospital setting is invaluable for learning the ins and outs of the operating room. surgical nurses must have excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills to be successful. Finally, continuing education is important for keeping up with the latest surgical procedures and technologies.

With all these qualifications, surgical nurses can provide the best care to their patients.

You may want to check Nurse Anesthetist, Flight Nurse, and Quality Improvement Nurse for alternative.

Job Description

Assess patients pre-operatively and post-operatively
Monitor vital signs and maintain a safe, sterile environment during procedures
Administer medications and fluids as needed
Assist in positioning, draping, and prepping patients for surgery
Collaborate with the surgical team to ensure optimal patient outcomes
Educate patients and family members on the nature of the procedure
Clean and sterilize instruments and equipment
Provide emotional support and comfort to patients before, during, and after surgery
Record patient history, vital signs, and other relevant information
Develop and implement post-operative care plans

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Understanding of surgical procedures and techniques
Ability to assess, diagnose, and treat pre- and post-operative conditions
Skill in administering anesthesia and monitoring patients
Knowledge of sterilization and infection control protocols
Ability to utilize surgical instruments and equipment
Excellent communication skills with both patients and colleagues
Ability to keep accurate records and provide patient education
Proficiency in critical thinking and problem-solving
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a healthcare team

Surgical nurses are essential members of a successful surgical team. Their role is to provide direct patient care throughout the entire perioperative process. As such, the most important skill for a surgical nurse to possess is excellent communication.

Good communication between the patient, surgeon, surgical team and other healthcare professionals is essential for a successful outcome. It is also important that the nurse be able to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to accurately assess and intervene in patient care. the nurse must be able to anticipate and effectively manage potential complications during surgery as well as possess a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and surgical procedures.

Having a good understanding of the principles of aseptic technique, infection control, sterile technique, and safety protocols is also essential. the nurse must be able to provide emotional support to both the patient and their family before, during and after the surgery. In addition, the nurse should have a strong work ethic, be detail-oriented and possess excellent organizational skills in order to ensure patient safety and optimal care.

Infection Control/Prevention Nurse, Home Health Nurse, and Ambulatory Care Nurse are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

Describe your experience providing care for patients undergoing surgical procedures.
How do you keep up with the latest developments in surgical nursing?
What challenges have you faced in your work as a surgical nurse?
How do you ensure that your practice is up to date with the latest standards in surgical nursing?
How do you handle stressful or tense situations when working with surgical patients?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time when providing care for surgical patients?
What techniques do you use to establish a trusting relationship with surgical patients?
What strategies do you use to remain calm during a crisis in the operating room?
What protocols do you follow to ensure patient safety during surgery?
How do you effectively communicate with members of the surgical team?

Common Tools in Industry

Surgical Scissors. Used to cut tissue during surgery. (eg: Metzenbaum scissors)
Suture Needle. Used to sew tissue together during surgery. (eg: Reverse cutting needle)
Suction Tubing. Used to suction fluids during surgery. (eg: Yankauer suction tip)
Retractor. Used to retract tissue during surgery. (eg: Balfour Retractor)
Forceps. Used to grasp and hold tissue during surgery. (eg: Adson forceps)
Surgical Stapler. Used to staple tissue together during surgery. (eg: Endoscopic stapler)
Harmonic Scalpel. Used to cut and seal tissue simultaneously during surgery. (eg: LigaSure harmonic scalpel)
Ultrasonic Aspirator. Used to aspirate and emulsify soft tissue during surgery. (eg: Cavitron ultrasonic aspirator)
Cautery Pen. Used to cauterize tissue during surgery. (eg: Bovie cautery pen)
Electrode. Used to deliver electric current during surgery. (eg: Laparoscopic monopolar electrode)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA)
National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses (NAON)
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA)
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)
Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates (SUNA)
American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN)
American Society of Transplantation Nurses (ASTN)
Oncology Nursing Society (ONS)

We also have Psychiatric Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, and Medical-Surgical Nurse jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Preoperative Care. The care given to the patient before the surgery, which includes physical and psychological preparation.
Intraoperative Care. The care given to the patient during the surgery, which includes monitoring vital signs, providing anesthesia, and assisting the surgeon.
Postoperative Care. The care given to the patient after the surgery, which includes monitoring recovery, providing pain relief, and providing emotional support.
Anesthesia. The use of drugs to induce a state of unconsciousness or reduced awareness during a surgery.
Operating Room. The sterile environment in which surgeries are performed.
Surgical Instruments. The specialized tools used in surgery to cut, suture, and manipulate tissue.
Surgical Sutures. Threads used to close incisions or wounds.
Wound Care. The management of a wound before, during, and after surgery. This includes cleaning, closing, and dressing the wound as well as preventing infection.
Infection Control. Procedures used to reduce the spread of infection in a medical setting, such as hand hygiene and proper disposal of medical waste.
Emergency Response. The actions taken in response to an emergency situation in a medical setting, such as a cardiac arrest or allergic reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Surgical Nurse? A1: A Surgical Nurse is a Registered Nurse who specializes in caring for patients before, during, and after surgery. Q2: What kind of tasks does a Surgical Nurse perform? A2: A Surgical Nurse performs tasks such as preparing the operating room and equipment, monitoring vital signs, assisting surgeons during the procedure, and providing postoperative care. Q3: How many years of experience does a Surgical Nurse need? A3: Most Surgical Nurses have at least two years of experience in an operating room setting. Q4: What kind of education is needed to become a Surgical Nurse? A4: To become a Surgical Nurse, one must have a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and be licensed in the state where they practice. Q5: What certifications are available for Surgical Nurses? A5: There are several certifications available for Surgical Nurses, including Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNORP), and Certified Ambulatory Perioperative Nursing (CAPN).