Pre-Operative Preparation: Assisted in the preparation of the operating room (OR) by ensuring all necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies were available and sterile. Verified patient identification, surgical site, and consent forms. Helped patients prepare for surgery by explaining the procedure, answering questions, and providing reassurance.
Aseptic Techniques: Practiced strict aseptic techniques to maintain a sterile environment. Participated in the surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving procedures. Assisted in draping the patient and the surgical field to prevent contamination.
Role as a Scrub Nurse: Acted as a scrub nurse, assisting the surgical team by passing instruments, sutures, and supplies during the procedure. Anticipated the needs of the surgeon and maintained the sterility of the surgical field. Counted sponges, needles, and instruments before and after surgery to ensure nothing was retained in the patient.
Instrument and Equipment Handling: Demonstrated proficiency in the use of surgical instruments and equipment. Prepared and handled surgical tools such as scalpels, forceps, retractors, and electrosurgical devices. Ensured instruments were correctly sterilized and functioning.
Patient Safety and Positioning: Assisted in positioning patients for surgery to ensure optimal access to the surgical site while maintaining patient safety and preventing pressure injuries. Used positioning devices and padding to protect vulnerable areas.
Anesthesia Support: Supported the anesthesia team by preparing equipment and medications for induction, maintenance, and emergence from anesthesia. Monitored patients' vital signs and assisted with the insertion of intravenous lines and airway management devices.
Intraoperative Monitoring: Monitored patients' physiological status during surgery, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. Recognized and reported any changes or abnormalities to the surgical and anesthesia teams promptly.
Post-Operative Care and Transfer: Assisted in the safe transfer of patients from the operating room to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Provided handover reports to PACU nurses, detailing intraoperative events, medications administered, and any special considerations for post-operative care.
Ronela Osan
ANUM Educator
ronela.osan@monashhealth.org
Moorabbin hospital
Lisa Pepe
Clinical Nurse Educator
lisa.pepe@monashhealth.org
Monash Health
Namkyung Kim
Registered Psychistric Nurse
yani.kim@nh.org.au
Northern Health
0423401600