Are You Suited for the Role of an Operation Theatre Nurse in the Healthcare Industry?

An operating room nurse helps surgeons during surgical procedures. These may include basic procedures or a complicated surgery. Engaging in occupational therapy throughout the day can be quite demanding, but if you are part of a collaborative and closely knit team, it can also be enjoyable. This is particularly applicable to individuals who relish participation in a surgical team and possess considerable stamina. This stamina is essential not just due to their prolonged standing throughout the day but also because they are focused on a singular task continuously when assisting in surgery.

What are the responsibilities of an OT nurse?

A nurse in the operating theatre is required to possess all the competencies of a standard nurse, in addition to certain specialised talents. You must possess comprehensive knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques, a comprehension of patient safety and precautions, and current knowledge of surgical processes. You must have comprehensive knowledge of the instruments utilised in various surgical procedures and their arrangement on the tray or cart.

The OT nurse will have to perform diverse responsibilities. You may serve as either a circulation nurse or a scrub nurse.

In your capacity as a circulatory nurse, you will

• Monitor the patient before and after surgery.
• Be an advocate for patients and family.
• Manage the staff, equipment, supplies, and atmosphere during the surgical operations.
• Ensure that all documentation, whether connected to the patient or the surgery, is complete.

As a scrub nurse, you will

• Work directly with the surgeon in the sterile field, handing equipment and other objects needed for the surgery.
• Ensure that the sterile field is maintained during the procedure.
• Responsible for the counts of equipment, blades, swabs, and other materials used throughout the surgery.
• Show rapid reaction at times of an emergent scenario.

What qualities do you need to be the best Operation Theatre nurse?

If you are contemplating taking up OT as your area of clinical practice, then these are some of the skills that you need to possess.

Systematic and organised - It is very important for an OT nurse to be properly organised and systematic. You should be informed of the surgeries that you will be assisting for either as a scrub or a circulatory nurse, so that you are well prepared. During any surgery, every swab, instrument, and sharp had to be counted for. All objects on your tray must be counted before, during, and after surgery to ensure nothing is retained inside the patient.

Good observation: While this is a trait that needs to be present in every nurse, it’s highly critical for the OT nurse to be able to pay attention to every detail that is happening in the OT. This would involve paying attention to what the surgeon is saying, the availability of materials on the sterile table, watching the patient, etc. Good observation and attention to details go hand in hand with being organised.

Team player: The environment in the OT is complicated and dynamic, with healthcare providers from different teams working together. These include the surgeons, the anaesthetists, the nurses, the technicians, the physician assistants, etc. You should have the capacity to maintain a good relationship with the team and work together for a successful procedure.

Calm and composed: During surgery, at times things may not go as intended. For example, the surgery may take a longer period than predicted or the patient may develop complications. You must be prepared for all such circumstances and be able to react in a timely and calm manner. However emerging the scenario, you should be able to maintain your composure.

Physical and mental strength: As an OT nurse, you will be on your feet for hours at a time, especially if you have scrubbed for surgery. You should not be overtaken by fatigue and low focus, thereby inclination to commit blunders. You also need to be mentally strong to face the terrible events that you may have to imagine at times, e.g., amputation of a limb, uncontrolled bleeding, or removal of an internal organ. Good physical health along with mental fortitude are absolutely vital for an OT nurse.

Developing skills and being updated: You need to keep yourself abreast of the changes that are taking place in different surgical techniques. Spend time in knowing the set of devices that would be required for different surgeries. Improve your abilities by taking on tasks and offering to scrub for different procedures. The more you practice, the better competent you will be.

In conclusion, if you want to work as an OT nurse, you should have completed your basic education in nursing and cleared the state licensure examination. Some hospitals may need you to take on further qualifications. The position of an OT nurse is both challenging and distinct and demands a diversified set of skills. An excellent OT nurse is one who recognises what needs to be done next and acts accordingly, rather than waiting for the request.

If you feel you have this set of skills in you and have the needed physical and mental power, then this is absolutely a role that you can take up. For more information get in touch with us at MWT Education Consultancy.