What are the Key Responsibilities of a Perioperative Nurse?
The responsibilities of a perioperative nurse can be broadly classified into three phases: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.
Preoperative: Nurses assess the patient's medical history, explain the surgical procedure, and prepare the patient physically and emotionally. They also ensure that informed consent has been obtained. Intraoperative: During surgery, nurses assist the surgical team by handing instruments, maintaining a sterile field, and monitoring the patient’s condition. They may also act as a scrub nurse or circulating nurse. Postoperative: After surgery, nurses monitor the patient’s recovery, manage pain, and provide education on postoperative care and follow-up appointments.
