What type of personality and physical stamina are required of a perioperative nurse?
Perioperative nurses are called upon to do many different activities that help patients have a successful surgery. They must have the ability to interact well with all kinds of people in difficult situations. They need emotional stability to cope with human suffering and frequent emergencies. The demands of a nursing career require a person who can be caring and empathetic, but also capable of making critical decisions based on available information about the patient. Perioperative nurses must be able to accept responsibility, provide direction to others, coordinate the patient’s health care, collaborate with physicians and other health care professionals, and determine when consultation is required. Along with interpersonal skills, they also need physical strength and stamina to position patients and transport equipment needed for surgery. Operations may require standing for long periods of time. Skills you develop as a nurse are some of the most valuable and transferable assets found