circulating nurse

A circulating nurse is a type of surgical nurse who circulates in the operating room to monitor the procedure. He or she acts as a patient advocate, ensuring that the conditions in the operating room remain safe and sterile. Circulating nurses also perform a wide variety of other tasks, which range from helping to set up the operating room for surgery to filling out paperwork which pertains to the surgery. This nursing career requires a very fine attention to detail, and a lot of stamina, as circulating nurses must be present and active throughout a surgery.


In an operating room, there are two areas: the sterile operating field, and the nonsterile area. During the surgery, the goal is to keep the operating field totally sterile for patient safety. Circulating nurses monitor the sterile field, informing operating room staff when something might compromise the sterility. They also connect the people in the sterile field with the nonsterile area. For example, a circulating nurse can open an autoclaved package so that someone in the operating field can access the sterile tool inside.

Before an operation

Checks all equipment for proper functioning such as cautery machine, suction machine, OR light and OR table
Make sure theater is clean
Arrange furniture according to use
Place a clean sheet, arm board (arm strap) and a pillow on the OR table
Provide a clean kick bucket and pail
Collect necessary stock and equipment
Turn on aircon unit
Help scrub nurse with setting up the theater
Assist with counts and records

During the Induction of Anesthesia

Turn on OR light
Assist the anesthesiologist in positioning the patient
Assist the patient in assuming the position for anesthesia
Anticipate the anesthesiologist’s needs
If spinal anesthesia is contemplated


After the patient is anesthetized

Reposition the patient per anesthesiologist’s instruction
Attached anesthesia screen and place the patient’s arm on the arm boards
Apply restraints on the patient
Expose the area for skin preparation
Catheterize the patient as indicated by the anesthesiologist
Perform skin preparation


During Operation

 
Remain in theater throughout operation
Focus the OR light every now and then
Connect diatherapy, suction, etc.
Position kick buckets on the operating side
Replenishes and records sponge/ sutures
Ensure the theater door remain closed and patient’ s dignity is upheld
Watch out for any break in aseptic technique


End of Operation

Assist with final sponge and instruments count
Signs the theater register
Ensures specimen are properly labeled and signed


After an Operation 

Hands dressing to the scrub nurse
Helps remove and dispose of drapes
Helps to prepare the patient for the recovery room
Assist the scrub nurse, taking the instrumentations to the service (washroom)
Ensures that the theater is ready for the next case


roles of circulating nurse

Responsible for managing the nursing care of the patient within the OR and coordinating the needs of the surgical team with other care provider necessary for completion of surgery

Observes the surgery and surgical team from broad perspective and assists the team to create and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for the patient
Asses the patient’s condition before, during and after the operation to ensure an optimal outcome for the patient
Must be able to anticipate the scrub nurse’s needs and be able to open sterile packs, operate machinery and keep accurate records