Journal of Perioperative & Critical Intensive Care Nursing
Open Access

The Critical Role of a Circulating Nurse in Surgical Procedures

Alen Galazi^{* *}Correspondence: Alen Galazi, Department of Nursing Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, Email:

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About the Study

A circulating nurse is a registered nurse who is responsible for managing the nursing care of patients during surgical procedures. They are not directly involved in the surgical procedure, but rather are responsible for coordinating and managing the activities in the operating room. The role of a circulating nurse is critical in ensuring patient safety and promoting positive outcomes for surgical patients. The role of a circulating nurse begins well before the patient enters the operating room. They are responsible for preparing the room for the surgery, including ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are available and ready for use. This may include setting up surgical instruments, positioning the patient on the operating table, and preparing the surgical site. They are also responsible for verifying the patient's identity, confirming the surgical procedure, and ensuring that the patient has given informed consent for the procedure. Once the surgery begins, the circulating nurse is responsible for managing the environment of the operating room. This includes maintaining a sterile environment, monitoring the patient's vital signs, and managing any equipment that is used during the procedure. The circulating nurse is also responsible for documenting the procedure, including the patient's vital signs, any medications administered, and any other pertinent information. This documentation is critical for ensuring accurate patient records and providing continuity of care. One of the most important responsibilities of a circulating nurse is ensuring patient safety. They are responsible for monitoring the patient's condition throughout the surgery and responding to any changes or complications that may arise. This may include administering medications, adjusting equipment, or communicating with the surgical team to modify the surgical plan if necessary. The circulating nurse must also be prepared to respond to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events.

Communication is a critical component of the circulating nurse's role. They must be able to communicate effectively with the surgical team, including the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other nurses. This includes providing updates on the patient's condition, sharing information about any changes in the surgical plan, and responding to requests for assistance or information. Effective communication is critical for ensuring that the surgical team is able to work together efficiently and effectively. In addition to managing the surgical environment and ensuring patient safety, the circulating nurse is also responsible for managing the flow of information and materials within the operating room. They must ensure that all equipment and supplies are available and ready for use when needed. This includes monitoring the inventory of supplies and restocking as necessary. The circulating nurse is also responsible for documenting the use of all equipment and supplies, which is critical for maintaining accurate records and ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained.

One of the challenges of being a circulating nurse is managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. They must be able to prioritize their responsibilities and respond quickly to changing situations. This requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

One of the challenges of being a circulating nurse is managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. They must be able to prioritize their responsibilities and respond quickly to changing situations. This requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.

Another important aspect of the circulating nurse's role is patient advocacy. They are responsible for ensuring that the patient's rights and dignity are protected throughout the surgical process. This includes advocating for the patient's preferences and ensuring that they are informed and involved in decisions about their care. The circulating nurse must also be sensitive to the patient's emotional needs and provide support and reassurance as needed.

In order to become a circulating nurse, an individual must first become a registered nurse (RN). They must then complete additional training and education in perioperative nursing, which includes coursework in anatomy and physiology, surgical procedures, and anaesthesia. In addition to formal education, circulating nurses must also have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.