| A surgical nurse is a special type of medical | | | | off. The surgical nurse is also typically the main line of |
| professional who works in operating rooms alongside | | | | communication between the physician, members of |
| surgeons and other members of the surgical team. | | | | the surgical team, and the patient's loved ones while |
| So what does a surgical nurse do? A surgical nurse is | | | | the surgery is happening. |
| basically a registered nurse who is specially trained to | | | | The current career outlook for surgical nurses is |
| care for patients and provide support to physicians | | | | good. The job opportunities in this field are expected |
| before, during, and after surgeries. Specialized | | | | to grow by as much as 23 percent over the next |
| degrees are required for this job, typically a Bachelor | | | | decade according to the United States Bureau of |
| of Science in Nursing, followed by the passage of a | | | | Labor Statistics. A nurse must often gain experience |
| national licensing examination, and time spent | | | | in general care areas such as critical care or |
| developing the special skills to work in operating | | | | emergency room care before they can enter this |
| rooms. | | | | specialization, though, and the passage of an |
| There are many career options for surgical nurses. A | | | | additional exam is required to become a Certified |
| surgical nurse can utilize his or her specialized skills to | | | | Nurse for the Operating Room, or CNOR. The median |
| contribute to the success of surgical teams in any | | | | salary for a surgical nurse in the U.S. is approximately |
| facility surgeries are performed. The career involves | | | | $72,000. |
| becoming familiar with surgical patients' medical | | | | Surgical nurse jobs are not for the faint of heart. Any |
| histories and preparing the operating room with all the | | | | job in the medical field is probably a bad choice for |
| necessary supplies, equipment, and instruments. The | | | | squeamish individuals who can't stand the sight of |
| nurse might be responsible for any number of tasks | | | | blood, but helping the surgical team can be especially |
| during surgery, including monitoring vital signs and | | | | challenging. It is a rewarding career with many |
| looking after the patient as their anesthetic wears | | | | benefits for those up to the challenge. |