Importance of a Scrub Nurse and Circulating Nurse

A scrub nurse and a circulating nurse are both important members of the surgical team. They play distinct but complementary roles in ensuring that a surgical procedure is performed safely and efficiently.

A scrub nurse, also known as a scrub technician or surgical technologist, is responsible for assisting the surgeon during an operation by passing them the instruments necessary for the procedure. They prepare the operating room, set up equipment, and sterilize instruments. During the procedure, the scrub nurse will typically stand at the surgeon's side, handing them the instruments and other materials they need. They are also responsible for maintaining a sterile field and for counting and keeping track of instruments, sponges and other items used during surgery.

A circulating nurse, also known as the perioperative nurse, is responsible for coordinating the overall flow of the surgical procedure. This includes ensuring that all necessary equipment and personnel are present and ready, and managing the patient's care before, during, and after surgery. They may also be responsible for communicating with the patient's family and other members of the healthcare team to provide updates on the patient's condition. They are also responsible for checking vital signs, maintaining the patient's airway, and ensuring that the patient is comfortable throughout the process.

Both scrub nurses and circulating nurses work closely with the surgical team to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the patient is well-cared for at all times. They are also responsible for monitoring the patient's condition and for providing updates to the surgeon and other members of the surgical team. Both are very important members of the surgical team, and are true heroes in the healthcare system and we are grateful for the work they do.

Would You Be: Scrub Nurse or Circulating Nurse?

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