Surgical nurses and surgical technologists are well aware that the operating room is a collaborative space. The patient’s safety and wellbeing are the primary concerns of the entire team, which includes everything from providing emotional support prior to surgery to preventing complications like anesthesia reactions or skin breakdown. Despite the fact that surgical nurses and surgical techs may share some responsibilities, the nurse’s field of practice is much more expansive.
Surgical nurses are more correctly called perioperative nurses. The term “perioperative” refers to both preoperative and postoperative care in addition to the activities that take place in the operating room. As registered nurses, the U. S. Perioperative nurses can earn a bachelor’s degree, an associate degree, or a nursing diploma, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. All registered nurses (RNs) must have a license, and while perioperative nursing certification is an option, it is not necessary for practice. Some organizations may prefer or require certification, however. Perioperative nurses can circulate, scrub, maintain a sterile environment, and pass instruments or supplies to the surgeons. The circulating nurse manages care coordination, acquires supplies, and maintains contact with the patient’s family.
Working under the surgeon’s direction are allied health professionals known as surgical technologists. They may circulate or scrub. Surgical technologists typically hold a high school diploma, but they may also have an associate’s degree or have completed a certificate-granting postsecondary program. According to the BLS, education could take a few months or as long as two years. Since not all states regulate surgical technologists, requirements vary by state. The BLS notes that surgical techs are not licensed.
A wide range of duties, including the administration of medications and the use of nursing judgment, are assigned to RNs. Surgical technicians can only perform circulating or cleaning duties. A surgical tech cannot work in the post-anesthesia recovery unit; only perioperative nurses can. According to the BLS, RNs make significantly more money than surgical technologists. In hospitals and outpatient care facilities, which are where the majority of perioperative nurses work, RNs earned $69,490 and $71,200, respectively. Surgical techs earned $45,560 and $42,700 in the same settings.
The same technical tasks are carried out in the operating room by surgical technicians and perioperative nurses. After the procedure, one or the other might, for instance, perform a surgical count or apply a dressing. Both require expertise in intraoperative care, patient positioning, and sterile technique. In some states, surgical technologists can also serve as first assistants, a position that gives the surgeon immediate assistance. All perioperative RNs are eligible to become first assistants. However, either occupation requires that role to have additional education and training.
Perioperative nurses have one distinct advantage over surgical techs. They can transition into a different nursing specialty as RNs with relative ease. Other than that, the jobs are similar, though surgical technologists may have less time to complete their education and do not need to keep their licenses. Perioperative nurses make significantly more money than surgical techs and are more independent in their daily work, whereas the surgical tech needs the surgeon’s direct supervision.
What does a scrub nurse do?
Depending on the type of surgery and the healthcare organization, a scrub nurse’s duties may change. Typical scrub nurse duties can include:
What is a scrub nurse?
A registered nurse (RN) with surgical care expertise is referred to as a scrub nurse. They are a particular class of nursing professional known as a perioperative nurse. Perioperative nurses care for patients before and during surgical procedures in an operating room. During surgery, nurses can do one of two functions. They can either circulate or scrub. A circulating nurse adjourns from the operating room to consult with the patient’s family and the outside medical team. A scrub nurse helps the surgeon during an operation and maintains a sterile environment.
What does a surgical tech do?
Before, during, and following surgery, a surgical tech assists in ensuring patient safety. Depending on the healthcare organization, their responsibilities can vary, but typical ones include:
What is a surgical tech?
A surgical tech is a medical professional who assists with surgical care. They are also known as scrubbing techs or operating room techs. They work to establish and keep a sterile and secure surgical environment. They can work for a range of healthcare institutions and support a surgical team prior to, during, and following procedures. Similar to surgical nurses, they can either scrub or circulate. They help the surgeon scrub while preserving a sterile environment. They serve as a link between the rest of the hospital and the operating area when moving around the operating room’s perimeter.
Differences between a scrub nurse and a surgical tech
Both a scrub nurse and a surgical tech are employed by a surgical team. Depending on the healthcare organization, there may be some overlap in their duties, but it’s important to know the differences if you’re choosing between these careers. Here are the key differences between the two roles:
Job duties
Surgical nurses and surgical techs may share some responsibilities. They can both scrub or circulate. When cleaning, they might both set up the operating room, sterilize the machinery, and give the surgeon the medical equipment. The primary distinction between the two positions is that a scrub nurse is responsible for more technical duties. For instance, they can give medication and help the surgeon during more technical surgical procedures. They could also keep an eye on patients’ vital signs and help them when things change suddenly.
In order to monitor and care for a patient following surgery, surgical nurses can also work in the post-anesthesia recovery room. Compared to a surgical tech, registered nurses can change their areas of specialization more frequently. This might give them the chance to take on new responsibilities outside of the operating room.
Education
These two career paths have different educational requirements. A high school diploma and, in many states, a certification program are prerequisites for becoming a surgical tech. Depending on the location, certification programs may last a few months or several years to complete. Many surgical technologists also obtain an associate’s degree, though in some states this may not be required.
To become registered nurses (RNs), surgical nurses must complete the necessary education requirements. This requires graduating from a teaching hospital, finishing a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, or enrolling in a two-year associate nursing program.
License and certifications
The state-specific requirements for nursing licensure for surgical nurses must be met. This entails passing a medical board exam, finishing school, and completing the necessary clinical training. In order to apply for their RN license, all surgical nurses must follow their state’s requirements. Some surgical nurses might also decide to submit an application for additional licensing in the surgical field. Although some hospitals or locations might demand an additional surgical nursing license, this is typically optional.
Through an associate program or certificate course, surgical technologists can become certified. Although many states and hospitals require surgical tech certification, this might be optional in some places.
Average salary
Jobs similar to scrub nurses and surgical techs
There are a number of interesting career options you might take into consideration if you’re interested in working as a scrub nurse, surgical tech, or in the medical field. Ten jobs that are comparable to scrub nurses and surgical techs are listed below:
Nursing or Surgical tech school
FAQ
Is a surgical tech the same as a scrub tech?
Some hospitals use scrub nurses exclusively, while others only use surgical technologists, and some may even use both. However, scrub nurses have the ability to perform a variety of tasks that surgical technologists typically cannot, such as administering medication, giving injections, and monitoring patient vitals.
What’s higher than a surgical tech?
Surgical technologists, also known as scrub technicians, support surgeons in the operating room.
What does a scrub nurse do in surgery?
RNs make an average of $75,330 per year, or $36 more than surgical technologists. 22 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2020.
