What is the role of a scrub nurse in perioperative nursing?

The role of a scrub nurse during surgical procedures is crucial for ensuring both the safety and efficacy of the operation. The primary responsibility of the scrub nurse is to maintain the sterile field, which involves ensuring that all instruments, supplies, and the environment are sterile to prevent infections. This role also includes directly assisting the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies during the operation, anticipating the surgeon's needs, and managing the surgical tools and equipment used throughout the procedure.

By maintaining the sterile field and assisting directly, the scrub nurse is integral to the surgical team, facilitating a smooth workflow in the operating room. This position requires attention to detail, knowledge of surgical procedures, and effective communication skills to work closely with the surgical team.

In contrast, monitoring a patient’s vital signs belongs to the responsibilities of the anesthesia provider or circulating nurse. Educating patients about postoperative care typically occurs before or after surgery and is usually the responsibility of nurses in preoperative or postoperative care settings. Evaluating the effectiveness of the surgical procedure is generally within the purview of the surgeon and other clinical staff who analyze outcomes post-surgery. Therefore, the focus of the scrub nurse is specifically on maintaining sterility and assisting the surgical team in real-time, making this role distinct and vital within the peri