OR nurses use their strengths as compassionate medical professionals daily. Overall,  patients rely on OR nurses for comfort, understanding, and care. They work alongside surgical teams and serve as liaisons between medical professionals and patients’ families. RNs working in the operating room assist doctors and surgeons, monitoring patients’ vital signs during the procedure. Undoubtedly, OR RNs get patients through some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Operating room nurses also assess patients before surgery, coordinate surgical requirements, and maintain a sterile operating room.

OR RN responsibilities may include:

• Assessing patients before surgery and addressing their concerns
• Gathering supplies needed for operations
• Adhering to safety procedures and maintaining a sterile operating room
• Positioning and preparation of patients on operating table
• Continual monitoring of patient vital signs to detect changes
• Delivering regular updates on patient status to physicians, patients, and patients’ famiilies.
• Evaluating patients after surgery
• Ensuring that medical equipment functions properly
• Administer IV’s and medications in coordination with patient care plans
• Bedside vigilance, critical thinking and ability to make decisions quickly
• Charting and maintenance of patient records

OR nurses must be highly organized and strong patient advocates. Their overall patience, communication, and education help multidisciplinary teams create the best patient outcomes.