Why are nurses needed in an operating room?
Perioperative nurses, also called operating room nurses, are registered nurses who specialize in the care of patients before, during and after surgery. Operating room nurses perform a variety of functions to ensure patient safety.Patient AssessmentBefore surgery begins, the operating room nurse interviews the patient to determine if he has any medical conditions, such as diabetes or asthma. In the operating room, the nurse will share this information with the medical team, in order to increase the patient’s safety.EnvironmentThe nurse gathers and organizes equipment and supplies needed for surgery, ensuring the environment remains sterile.Pre-SurgeryIn the operating room, the nurse verifies the patient’s name, date of birth, the patient’s consent and the specific procedure to be performed. Prior to anesthesia, the patient is kept calm and comfortable.
