Peri-operative nursing
Peri-operative nurses work in operating rooms assisting in all areas surgical procedures. This area of nursing requires skills and abilities that both challenge and reward the people who work in this environment. Teamwork is a key issue, as it has a very inter-dependant role as well as an autonomous role to fulfil. The nurse, as well as being a skilled clinician and technologist, is adept at communication, problem solving, and being a patient advocate. Often they are all of these things at once!
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What does a peri-operative nurse do?
It is all about caring for the patient, and often the family of the patient, as they undergo surgery. It involves preparing an individual for surgery, offering comfort and support, using sound nursing skills and problem solving techniques together with specialised skills to ensure a safe and effective experience. The work of a peri-operative nurse includes assisting with minor surgery using local anaesthetics through to major surgery as a result of injury or disease
How do I become a peri-operative nurse?
To become a peri-operative nurse requires current registration with the QNC and the enthusiasm for a demanding and exciting role in nursing. Nurses can also undertake further study in the area of peri-operative nursing at university. Nurses interested in working in this area should contact the nurse manager of an operating room to find out further information.
What career opportunities are available to peri-operative nurses?
Peri-operative nurses are needed anywhere surgery is performed, such as clinics, day surgery units, all sized hospitals, overseas aid programs and rural and remote practices. Peri-operative nurses can specialise in various types of surgery, such as cosmetic, vascular, orthopaedic, paediatrics, midwifery and cardiac.
Where can I get more information on peri-operative nursing?
Need more information? Contact your public hospital HRM officer or peri-operative staff development educator. Or the Peri-operative Nurses Association Queensland. You can also contact the Nurse Educator - Operating Suite, Princess Alexandra Hospital,
Ph: 3240 5768
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