The scrub nurse is a never-ending balancing act —you must complete your duties on time while adhering to all sterile technique regulations, be vigilant, multi-task and do much more. Let’s learn what special qualities it takes to become a good scrub nurse in this blog post from JP Medicals Recruitment.
What makes a good scrub nurse?
Scrub nurses typically need a combination of technical skills, such as sterile techniques and intra-operative care measures, as well as soft skills to be successful in their work. Other in-demand skills for scrub nurses include:
Being patient
Scrub nursing usually necessitates a great deal of patience. Due to the delicate nature of surgical procedures, the scrub nurse may be required to stay in the operating theatre for several hours, and a 10-hour shift is relatively common for scrub nurses.
Operating rooms are frequently high-pressure environments, and scrub nurses can stay calm under pressure since doctors rely on them to complete surgeries. Keeping calm in an emergency situation might help surgeons rely on scrub nurses.
A great team worker
Surgical procedures typically necessitate a collaborative effort, and scrub nurses may work alongside surgeons, radiologists, and anaesthetists to complete procedures and improve the patient’s health. Each person in the operating room works together to ensure the patient’s recovery.
Critical thinking quality
Operating rooms are often unexpected, and situations might shift at any time. Scrub nurses use critical thinking abilities to quickly assess, analyse, and respond to difficulties and changing situations.
Self-reliant
Perioperative nurses are self-assured decision-makers. Although they work in the operating room under the supervision of a surgeon, their primary concern throughout operative operations is the welfare, comfort, and safety of their patients.
They anticipate and respond to difficulties using critical thinking abilities, and they will not hesitate to warn surgeons and other members of the surgical team if problems develop.
In fact, surgeons rely on perioperative nurses to communicate any glitches or other issues that may jeopardise effective safety procedures. Perioperative or scrub nurses are vital extensions of the surgical team in the PACU, monitoring patients’ status during post-anesthesia recovery.
Physical stamina
Because scrub nurses are on their feet for lengthy periods of time, they must have both physical and mental stamina. This ability assists them in managing active tasks.
They aim to be aware of the surgeon’s needs and communicate them to the surgical team and hospital staff. Nurses can give and receive instructions in a straightforward and confident manner.
Collaborative
Scrub nurses have separate tasks inside surgical centers, but they also collaborate with their surgical colleagues.
Operative procedures involve not only carefully planned movements and communication between practitioners but also an “I’ve got your back” dedication from members of the surgical team.
Perioperative nurses are good team players who frequently identify their deep ties with their coworkers as one of the reasons they would suggest their specialisation to other nurses.
Discipline and focus
Before accessing patients in operating rooms, a scrub nurse may be subjected to rigorous sanitization. Similarly, they can maintain a high degree of concentration throughout a surgical process.
Scrub nurses prepare and sterilise surgical tools and supplies before patients are placed on the operating table. The nurse ensures that surgeons do their work accurately and effectively by using their organisational skills.
Time management
Nurses are often aware of the passage of time and use it wisely to reduce turnover times. This ability may be used to quickly prioritise incoming tasks or emergencies.
The mindset of a "Fixer"
Perioperative nurses like the near-instant gratification provided by their expertise. They enjoy mending broken things, whether they are bones, hearts, or other ailments, and they are especially pleased when their contributions promise to return patients to healthy, productive lives.
A note from JP Medicals Recruitment
Are you qualified to work in a surgical setting? Share your abilities with us, and we will assist you in achieving your goal of being a perioperative nurse. Apply for a job opening at JP Medicals Recruitment now.