What is the primary role of the circulating nurse in the operating room?

The primary role of the circulating nurse in the operating room focuses on managing the overall environment and ensuring that all necessary supplies are available and organized. This includes preparing the operating room prior to the procedure, ensuring sterile techniques are followed, and maintaining communication among the surgical team. The circulating nurse is responsible for monitoring the surgical environment to ensure that it is safe and efficient for the surgical team and the patient.

The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the surgical process, including anticipating the needs of the surgeons and other team members throughout the procedure. This role is critical in maintaining the flow of the operation and managing any contingencies that may arise.

While monitoring patients post-surgery falls under the responsibilities of the nursing staff in the recovery area, and administering anesthesia is specifically the role of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, assisting with surgical procedures is typically the role of the scrub nurse or surgical technologist. Each of these roles has distinct responsibilities that contribute to the overall success of surgical operations.