What Is Perioperative Nursing? A Career Guide

Intrigued about the fast-paced, life-saving world of surgery? Perioperative nursing might be a fit for you.

Perioperative nursing offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of the operating room, ensuring patient safety and supporting surgical teams before, during, and after procedures.

Whether you’re a nursing student exploring specialties or a seasoned RN considering a career change, perioperative nursing combines critical thinking, technical skills, and compassion in a highly rewarding role.

What is Perioperative Nursing?

Perioperative nursing, also known as operating room (OR) nursing, is a specialized field where registered nurses (RNs) deliver care to surgical patients before, during, and after surgery. These highly skilled professionals act as critical members of the surgical team, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective care at every stage of the surgical process.

Perioperative nurses work in dynamic environments, including hospital surgical departments, outpatient surgery centers, and even doctors’ offices. Their responsibilities can vary widely depending on their role, but they’re united by a common goal: supporting surgical patients and optimizing surgical outcomes.

What Does a Perioperative Nurse Do?

A perioperative nurse often serves as a patient advocate in the operating room, ensuring that every decision made prioritizes the patient’s safety and well-being. This role requires excellent communication, attention to detail, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that may include surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other nurses.

Perioperative nursing encompasses three main phases of care:

• Preoperative (Pre-op): Preparing patients physically and emotionally for surgery, including tasks like taking vital signs, starting IVs, and explaining the procedure.
• Intraoperative (Intra-op): Assisting during surgery as a scrub nurse or circulating nurse, managing instruments, maintaining sterility, and ensuring the surgical team’s needs are met.
• Postoperative (Post-op): Monitoring patients in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), addressing complications, and preparing them for discharge or transfer.

If you’re interested in learning more about the different types of nurses and their roles, check out our guide on Types of Nurses.

Steps to Become a Perioperative Nurse

1. Meet Educational Requirements

To become a perioperative nurse, you must first become a licensed registered nurse (RN). This typically requires completing an accredited nursing program, either an associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many aspiring nurses also start by learning how to get into a nursing school program.

2. Gain Clinical Experience

New graduates & nursing students often begin with internships or entry-level RN roles to gain hands-on experience. Perioperative roles may require additional training, especially for advanced intraoperative positions.

3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam

Becoming a licensed RN involves passing the NCLEX-RN exam. This comprehensive test measures a candidate’s readiness to deliver safe and effective nursing care. For help preparing, explore NCLEX practice questions and other study tools to ensure success on your first attempt.

4. Earn Perioperative Nursing Certification

Certifications like CNOR (Certified Perioperative Nurse) validate your expertise in surgical nursing. Additional credentials, such as the RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) certification, can open doors to advanced intraoperative roles.

Roles and Responsibilities of Perioperative Nurses

Perioperative nurses take on diverse roles, including:

• Pre-op Nurses: Assess patient readiness, start IVs, and provide education to patients and families.
• Intra-op Nurses: Manage surgical instruments, anticipate surgeon needs, and ensure sterility in the operating room.
• Post-op Nurses: Monitor patients post-surgery, address complications, and prepare for discharge.

They also perform crucial tasks like maintaining surgical tools, upholding safety standards, and collaborating with intensive care units when necessary.

Why Choose Perioperative Nursing?

Perioperative nursing is a rewarding career for those who thrive in fast-paced, detail-oriented environments. It offers opportunities to specialize, grow professionally, and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

As an OR nurse, you’ll develop expertise in surgical procedures, team dynamics, and patient care. Additionally, the demand for skilled perioperative nurses remains high, leading to competitive salaries and job stability.

How Much Do Perioperative Nurses Earn?

Salaries for perioperative nurses depend on factors like location, experience, and specialization. Entry-level perioperative nurses earn around $58,240 annually, while experienced nurses can make up to $83,200 per year or more. Opportunities for overtime and additional certifications, such as RNFA, can significantly boost earnings.

Continuing education opportunities for nurses

To continue offering the best care in a surgical setting, nurses should keep learning about their specialties. Professional organizations, like the Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN), offer support, resources, and continuing education opportunities.

The Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) is an international leader in perioperative nursing education. They promote and offer continuous professional development to nurses to continually increase the safety and quality of patient care. CCI’s industry-leading certificate program includes six specialty perioperative nursing certifications that are valid for two to five years:

• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
• Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM)
• Certified Perioperative CNS (CNS-CP)
• Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB)
• Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)
• Nursing Professional Development Advance – Board Certified (NPDA-BC)

As a certifying agency, CCI validates a nurse’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Certification shows that you’re highly committed to patient safety and understand current best practices in perioperative nursing. Certification may also lead to career advancement and higher earnings.

How to become an RN first assistant

A registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) is an advanced perioperative intra-op nurse. As the surgeon’s main assistant, an RNFA may perform tasks like suturing, wound management, and cutting tissue.

To become an RNFA, an RN or APRN must complete an RNFA educational program and earn certification from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC) board. An RN must have completed a bachelor’s degree to qualify for entry into an RNFA nursing program. They also have to earn a CNOR certification, which requires two years of perioperative nursing experience.

Real-World Guidance for New Grads!

Feeling overwhelmed as a new nurse? 😰 You’re not alone! Our New Grad Nursing Membership gives you skills refreshers, mentorship, and real-world guidance to help you transition from school to practice with confidence. Learn more today!

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Perioperative nursing is an excellent career choice for RNs who want to specialize in surgical care. If you’re ready to take the first step, start by exploring our guide on how to become a nurse. SimpleNursing is here to support you with nursing school support, NCLEX prep courses, practice questions, and study guides to help you achieve your goals.

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