Becoming an OR Nurse

A perioperative nurse, often known as an operating room (OR) nurse, assists surgeons and other medical professionals before, during, and after surgical procedures. Although they frequently work in hospitals, OR nurses can also find employment at clinics, outpatient facilities, and as a member of the emergency transportation services. This blog describes the many kinds of OR nurses, their responsibilities, how to become one, and addresses some frequently asked issues.

What is an OR nurse?

OR nurses are also referred to as scrub nurses or surgical nurses in addition to perioperative nurses. If you’re considering a career path as an OR nurse, you should know the three types of OR nurses and their distinctive roles:

• Pre-op OR nurse: Pre-op OR nurses prepare patients for surgery, answering their questions and talking with their family members about procedures. They also complete checks on patients’ vital signs to ensure they’re ready for surgery, administer IV fluids and complete paperwork.
  
• Intra-op OR nurse: Intra-op OR nurses assist surgeons during operating room procedures and ensure necessary equipment is present prior to the start of surgery and all necessary personnel are available. During surgery, OR nurses either circulate or scrub: They coordinate with family members and outside health teams, or they maintain the sterile environment and assist the surgeon.
  
• Post-op OR nurse: Post-op OR nurses are responsible for taking care of patients immediately after surgery. They monitor patients in recovery, check vital signs and update family members on patients’ progress.

What do OR nurses do?

OR nurses have several unique job responsibilities as compared to other nursing careers. They include the following:

• Communicate between patients, families and surgical teams. A major part of an OR nurse's job duties include being a liaison between the patient, their family and the rest of the surgical team. They address patient concerns and provide post-operative care instructions like when to take medications and how to treat post-operative wounds.
  
• Check and organize surgical equipment. This is an important aspect of pre-operative procedures. These OR nurses collect and organize equipment and tools needed during surgery and check equipment to ensure its properly functioning.
  
• Coordinate with the surgical team. OR nurses are expected to coordinate with the surgical team on surgery availability and lead scheduling.
  
• Administer IVs. In pre-, peri- and post-operative procedures, OR nurses are responsible for administering IVs to increase patient comfort. They also provide patients with medication to prepare for or recover from surgery.
  
• Ease patient concerns. OR nurses reassure patients ahead of procedures by showing compassion and warmth.
  
• Record pre-, intra- and post-surgical events. OR nurses document patients’ vital signs, types of IVs and medications administered and the overall timeline of the procedure for hospital records.
  
• Monitor patient response to surgery. An important part of a post-op OR nurse's job is to monitor a patient's vital signs immediately following surgery and notify the surgical team of any complications.

How to become an OR nurse

Consider following these six steps to become an OR nurse:

1. Earn an associate degree

Although it’s recommended to receive a bachelor's degree in nursing, you can begin working in nursing assistant positions with an associate degree while filling other education requirements. OR nurse candidates also can take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse after earning an associate degree in nursing (ADN).

2. Complete additional schooling

Before obtaining specialty certifications that will qualify you as an OR nurse, you should complete a four-year nursing degree. With a bachelor's degree, you’ll not only be qualified to take the NCLEX-RN exam, but you can also go on to obtain a master's and doctorate degree if you want to advance your career.

3. Take the NCLEX-RN exam

This exam, offered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), will make you a registered nurse upon passing. As mentioned, you can take this exam upon completing your ADN or you can wait until you have completed your bachelor's degree.

4. Work as an RN

After you’ve passed your NCLEX-RN and received your registered nursing license, you can begin working as an RN in an emergency room, critical care unit or operating room setting. In these environments, you’ll learn valuable skills to help in working with patients and surgical teams to prepare for a more advanced position as an OR nurse.

5. Achieve relevant certifications

Upon gaining valuable field experience, prospective OR nurses should complete one or more certifications to enhance their employability. A popular certification is the Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) credential. To receive this five-year certification, you must have at least two years of relevant work experience and pass an exam.

6. Apply for OR nurse positions

The final step to becoming an OR nurse is to apply for OR nursing jobs. Use your work experience and relevant certifications to help your resume and cover letter stand out among other applicants.

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