Operating room nurses (OR nurses) are a very important part of the team in the OR, and there are a lot of misconceptions about their duties. There are two different types of OR nurses, based on what type of degree you have. LPNs are generally given on the job training to become “surgical technicians.” Surgical technicians are often the nurses portrayed on TV. They will hand the doctor the surgical instruments he needs. The surgical techs make sure a sterile field is maintained, and some jobs require they also prep the tools for each surgery beforehand. While LPNs can become surgical technicians through on-the-job training, some hospitals will not hire LPNs for this job. RN OR nurses make sure that a sterile field is maintained at all times, and never compromised. This means that if a surgical instrument is dropped on the floor, or if anyone’s sterile gloves are compromised they are notified to correct this issue. OR RNs also prep surgical areas (shaving, cleaning, hooking up heart monitors, blood pressure cuffs), place Foley catheters, and assess the patient during surgery.
If you think this is the career for you, then here’s how to become a surgical nurse.
- Earn your degree in nursing. Completing an accredited LPN or RN program is the first step you will need to take. Both of these are acceptable nursing degrees, depending on where you live. LPNs are Licensed Practical Nurses, but you will not earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with this program. You will earn the right to take the NCLEX-LPN, and get your diploma for completion of the program. RNs are registered nurses who generally go through a two- or four-year program, and earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Some schools will offer you the chance to earn a diploma in Registered Nursing, without earning an associate’s degree. You will need to do a bit of research before you decide on which schooling program to enter. If hospitals around you do not hire LPNs for surgical technicians, then you will need to enter into an RN program.
- Enroll in nursing school and get a job. Enroll in nursing school, and pass your NCLEX nursing boards. Once you have this completed you will be eligible to work as a nurse. Most OR jobs will require you to have at least a few years of experience working as a nurse before they will hire you. This means you should probably apply for jobs in med surge, ICU, or critical care units for experience.
- Make sure you are certified in basic life support. You will need certification in basic cardiac life support (BCLS), cardiac life support (ACLS), and pediatric life support (PALS). Getting your certification in these areas will mean that you will be ready to handle any critical situations that may happen in the OR.
Becoming an OR nurse means a lot of schooling, and a few years of experience as a nurse. The salary outlook for a surgical tech is around $37,000 annually, and OR nurses earn about $60,000 annually. The job outlook is excellent, as the need for cosmetic, emergent and routine surgery grows. Just remember to stay strong and keep focused on your path. Once you become an OR nurse, each day will be new and exciting.