A Nurse’s Perspective on Surgery
Surgery is a complex and demanding field, but it is also incredibly rewarding. As a surgical nurse, I have the privilege of playing a vital role in helping patients heal and recover.
What is a surgical nurse?
A surgical nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. Surgical nurses work closely with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.
Responsibilities of a surgical nurse
The responsibilities of a surgical nurse vary depending on the type of surgery being performed and the setting in which they work. However, some common responsibilities of surgical nurses include:
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Assisting surgeons during surgery
- Monitoring patients during surgery
- Providing care to patients after surgery
- Educating patients and their families about the surgery and recovery process
Benefits of being a surgical nurse
There are many benefits to being a surgical nurse, including:
- Job security: Surgical nurses are in high demand, so there are many job opportunities available.
- Competitive salaries: Surgical nurses earn competitive salaries, especially those with experience.
- Opportunities for advancement: There are many opportunities for advancement in the field of surgical nursing. Surgical nurses can advance to positions such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse manager, and nurse practitioner.
- Job satisfaction: Surgical nurses often find their jobs to be very rewarding. They have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients.
Challenges of being a surgical nurse
Being a surgical nurse can also be challenging. Surgical nurses often work long hours, and they may be required to work on weekends and holidays. Surgical nurses also need to be able to handle stressful situations and work well under pressure.
How to become a surgical nurse
To become a surgical nurse, you must complete a nursing program and become a registered nurse (RN). Once you are an RN, you can gain experience in the field of surgery by working in a hospital or other surgical setting. You can also obtain additional training in surgical nursing by pursuing a certification in surgical nursing.
A day in the life of a surgical nurse
A typical day for a surgical nurse may include:
- Arriving at work early to prepare for the day’s surgeries
- Meeting with patients and their families to answer questions and provide education about the surgery
- Preparing patients for surgery, including administering medications and starting IVs
- Assisting surgeons during surgery by passing instruments and retracting tissues
- Monitoring patients during surgery to ensure their safety
- Providing care to patients after surgery, including monitoring their vital signs and pain levels
- Educating patients and their families about the surgery and recovery process
Conclusion
Being a surgical nurse is a challenging but rewarding career. Surgical nurses have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of their patients. If you are interested in a career in surgery, I encourage you to learn more about the field and consider becoming a surgical nurse.
Unique Point of View
One unique point of view on surgery is that it is a unique opportunity to witness the human body’s amazing ability to heal. When I see patients come into surgery with serious injuries or illnesses, and then watch them leave the hospital weeks or months later healthy and healed, it is an incredibly inspiring experience.
Another unique point of view on surgery is that it is a highly collaborative field. Surgical nurses work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients receive the best possible care. This collaboration is essential to the success of any surgery.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a surgical nurse and to play a role in helping patients heal and recover. I highly recommend this career to anyone who is interested in making a real difference in the lives of others.
