Scrub nurses are an integral part of the operating room team, playing an essential role in the successful completion of surgical procedures. As a specialized healthcare professional, scrub nurses are responsible for a variety of essential duties and tasks that are essential to the safety and success of the surgical environment. As such, it is essential for scrub nurses to be highly trained, both in their nursing skills and in the technical aspects of their role. To ensure that all scrub nurses are up to the task, it is important to understand their role and the skills necessary to be successful. In this blog post, we will explore the role of a scrub nurse in the operating room and examine the skills and training that are necessary to succeed in this specialized and demanding position. We will then discuss the day-to-day responsibilities of scrub nurses and the importance of the team-based approach to patient care in the operating room. By the end, you will have a better understanding of what scrub nurses do and the important role that
What does a scrub nurse do?
To ensure the welfare of their patients, scrub nurses are responsible for a number of duties. Here are some common job duties scrub nurses perform daily:
What is a scrub nurse?
A scrub nurse is a nurse who assists surgeons and other surgical personnel. They are also called perioperative or operating room (OR) nurses. Scrub nurses assist surgeons as they operate on patients, sometimes performing life-saving procedures, using their knowledge and composed demeanor.
Average salary for scrub nurses
Scrub nurses must possess the necessary training and experience to perform their job duties. The following steps will help you become a scrub nurse:
1. Earn a nursing degree
You can pursue one of two tracks to become a nurse. A two-year associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) are both options. You can obtain the knowledge and practical experience necessary to sit for the licensing exam and start working as a registered nurse with either of these degrees. The only distinction is that BSN programs enable deeper study of nursing specialties.
2. Take the NCLEX-RN
Before working as a scrub nurse, you must obtain a registered nursing license. You must take the NCLEX-RN exam provided by The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) after receiving an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. If you pass this test, your state will formally recognize you as a registered nurse.
3. Gain relevant work experience
You must demonstrate that you have the skills necessary to work in a high-stress environment before you can assist surgeons as a scrub nurse during procedures. Work as a registered nurse for a few years in a hospital’s emergency room, critical care unit, or intensive care unit.
4. Consider specialty certifications
Certifications offer specialty education to nursing professionals. Those who are interested in working as scrub nurses should think about earning the following certifications:
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers certification in acute/critical care nursing, which equips registered nurses with the most recent methods for working in emergency, trauma, and critical care settings.
Participants who earn this certification from the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) will have the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare for operations, handle emergencies, communicate with surgeons, and transfer care following surgery.
Participants who want to work in a surgical setting can obtain entry-level clinical knowledge through this certification program from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
5. Apply for scrub nurse positions
You can begin submitting applications for scrub nurse positions once you have the necessary training and experience in your field. On your resume, be sure to emphasize your experience working in a high-stress environment by including quantifiable statements. For instance, “Worked over 500 hours as a critical care nurse,” or “Triaged seven car crash victims based on the severity of their injuries.” “.
Frequently asked questions about scrub nurses
Here are a few more responses to queries you might still have about scrub nurses, their jobs, and workplaces:
Where do scrub nurses work?
Scrub nurses typically perform their duties in the operating room of hospitals. However, they can also work in a variety of other healthcare settings, such as doctor’s offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and private surgical practices. Scrub nurses can work in the labor and delivery department, assisting doctors with safe childbirth by performing C-sections and other procedures.
How long is the typical shift of a scrub nurse?
In healthcare facilities, scrub nurses typically work eight to ten-hour shifts. This can vary depending on the length of surgical procedures. In the event that there are no surgeries scheduled during their shifts on a particular day, some scrub nurses may work part-time hours.
What career advancement opportunities are available to scrub nurses?
Scrub nurses have multiple career advancement opportunities available to them. They could pursue a career as a circulator nurse. Manage surgical procedures, supplies, and personnel, including scrub nurses, in this position. Scrub nurses must possess a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in order to be hired for this position.
A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) position is another route to career advancement. CRNAs manage patient anesthesia before, during, and following surgery. Before sitting for the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists, you must first obtain a master’s degree from a nurse anesthetist program that is accredited.
What skills do scrub nurses need?
The following abilities are also necessary for scrub nurses in addition to medical knowledge:
In order to support surgeons during surgery, scrub nurses must be able to maintain their composure under pressure. Their capacity for concentration in stressful situations may enable surgeons to carry out life-saving procedures.
To accurately monitor a patient’s vital signs during surgery and ensure that surgeons carry out procedures to the best of their abilities, scrub nurses should be detail-oriented.
Scrub nurses must be team players because their work requires them to collaborate with other medical specialists to complete procedures and enhance patient quality of life.
Scrub nurses must effectively communicate with surgeons, other nursing professionals, and hospital staff in order to ensure that a surgery goes as planned, so interpersonal communication is crucial.
Prior to the start of surgery, organization aids scrub nurses in preparing tools and materials. They can also assist surgeons during surgery because they are aware of where to place particular tools. This avoids delays throughout the process, especially during crucial points.
The Surgical Team | Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, First Assist, Scrub Nurse, & More
FAQ
How many years does it take to become a scrub nurse?
Depending on where you are in your nursing education or career, the number of credits you can transfer, and whether you choose a full-time or part-time schedule, becoming a surgical or perioperative nurse may take two to five years.
Do scrub nurses make more than rn?
Job Responsibilities One of the primary distinctions between these two positions is that a scrub nurse is responsible for more technical duties. Sometimes they can help the surgeon during more technical surgical procedures. They could also keep an eye on patients’ vital signs and assist them if sudden changes happen.
Is it hard to be a scrub nurse?
Yes, OR nurses can earn more than med/surg nurses, but in most facilities, their base pay will be the same. On-call pay ($2/hr for me) and call-back pay ($1 for me) account for the difference. 5x base salary, minimum 2 hrs guaranteed). You alone must determine whether working as an OR nurse is worthwhile for you.
