Roles and Responsibilities of a Scrub Nurse

The first step in preparing for a nursing career is choosing a path that fits your professional objectives. The specialization of scrub nursing goes beyond providing basic patient care. You can determine if you want to pursue a nursing career by taking the time to learn about the duties and requirements of scrub nurses.

In this blog, we clarify what a scrub nurse is, outline their duties, discuss the typical income range, outline the requirements to become a scrub nurse, and address frequently asked queries regarding the position.

What is a scrub nurse?

A scrub nurse is a nursing professional who works alongside surgeons and other surgical staff. Scrub nurses, also called perioperative or operating room (OR) nurses, may have different names depending on the institution, but their roles and responsibilities are the same. Scrub nurses use their expertise to help surgeons perform surgery.

What does a scrub nurse do?

Scrub nurses have a variety of responsibilities to ensure patient welfare. Here are some common job duties scrub nurses perform:

• Reporting to the circulator nurse to prepare the operating room and keep it sterile
• Communicating with surgeons throughout the procedure to ensure a successful operation
• Considering potential complications and creating a plan of action for if the team has to take lifesaving measures
• Washing hands and arms with surgical soap before and after surgical procedures
• Remaining on call to take part in emergency surgery
  

Average salary for scrub nurses

The average salary for scrub nurses is $98,277 per year. It's important to note that this figure can vary depending on the location of the health care facility, type of health care facility and years of experience. Salary can also depend on any additional certifications or degrees you may have.

How to become a scrub nurse

Scrub nurses need to have the right education and experience to fulfill their job duties. Here's a guide to help you become a scrub nurse:

1. Earn a nursing degree

There are two tracks you can take to earn a nursing degree. You can obtain a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). Both of these degrees give you the knowledge and clinical experience you need to take the licensure examination and begin working as a registered nurse. The only difference is that BSN programs provide more in-depth instruction in nursing specialties.

2. Take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)

You need to obtain a registered nursing license before you can assume a scrub nurse position. After earning an associate or bachelor's degree, you need to take the NCLEX-RN exam from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Once you pass this exam, you're officially a licensed registered nurse in your state.

3. Gain relevant work experience

Before you can work as a scrub nurse assisting surgeons during surgeries, it's necessary to prove you have the expertise to work in a high-stress environment. You can gain a few years of work experience as a registered nurse in the emergency room, critical care or intensive care unit (ICU) of a health care facility for exposure to high-pressure situations. When interviewing for scrub nurse positions, make sure to emphasize your relevant experience and how it can help you succeed in your future role.

4. Consider specialty certifications

Certifications offer specialty education to nursing professionals. Here are a few certifications that those pursuing a career as a scrub nurse should consider:

CCRN (Adult)

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers the acute or critical care nursing certification (CCRN). The AACN provides registered nursing professionals with more advanced techniques for working in critical care, trauma and emergency settings. If you're interested in these areas of medicine, you may want to consider pursuing this additional certification.

Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)

This certification is from the Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI). The CCI provides participants with the expertise they need to plan for surgeries, navigate emergencies, communicate with surgeons and transfer care post-operation. If you're interested in the logistical aspects of health care, this certification may be a good option for you.

Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MSNC)

This certification is from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The ANCC provides entry-level clinical knowledge to participants who want to work in a surgical setting. If you believe you might benefit from additional knowledge about the surgical specialty, this may be a useful certification, especially if you believe you have an aptitude for working in the operating room.

5. Apply for scrub nurse positions

After you have the necessary education and professional experience, you can start applying for scrub nurse positions. Make sure to highlight your professional experience working in a high-stress environment by providing quantifiable statements on your resume. For example, you might write, "Triaged seven-car crash victims based on the severity of their injuries," or "Worked over 500 hours as a critical care nurse."

Frequently asked questions

Where do scrub nurses work?

Scrub nurses typically work in hospitals' operating rooms (ORs). They can also work in several other health care facilities, including physician offices, private surgical practices and ambulatory surgery centers. Scrub nurses can work in the labor and delivery department as well, helping conduct caesarian sections (C-sections) and other procedures to help doctors safely deliver newborns.

How long is the typical shift of a scrub nurse?

Scrub nurses typically work eight- to 10-hour shifts at health care facilities. This can vary depending on the length of surgical procedures. Some scrub nurses might work part-time hours if there are no surgeries scheduled during their shifts on a given day.

What career advancement opportunities are available to scrub nurses?

Scrub nurses have multiple career advancement opportunities available to them. For instance, they could pursue a career as a circulator nurse. This position is responsible for managing surgical procedures, materials and staff, including scrub nurses. To achieve this position, scrub nurses need to have a BSN.

Another opportunity for career advancement is pursuing a job as a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). CRNAs administer and monitor patient anesthesia before, during and after surgery. This profession requires you to earn a master's degree from an accredited nurse anesthetist program before taking the National Certification Examination for Nurse Anesthetists.

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