perioperative nurse job description

While your duties vary depending on the surgical procedure or intervention, some common tasks include: assessing patients before surgery: as a perioperative nurse, you assess patients admitted for a surgical procedure. Aside from measuring vital signs and checking diagnostic tests, you also review their medical history. For instance, you check for underlying medical conditions, history of surgeries, and allergies to anaesthesia and medication. You inform the surgical team of your findings to ensure the procedure is adjusted to the patient’s medical history. educating patients: as a perioperative nurse, you ensure patients and their families are well-informed about the surgical procedures. You educate patients on the pre-surgical procedures and post-operative care that will be provided. When completing the paperwork for surgeries, you also answer any questions from patients. assisting surgeons in the theatre: as a perioperative nurse, you assist surgeons in performing the procedures. For instance, you retrieve surgical instruments and hand them over to the surgeons. You also ensure the patient is stable throughout the procedure by keeping an eye on the vital signs. post-surgical care: as a perioperative nurse, you ensure the patient is recovering well after surgery. Your job is to ensure the patient’s airway passage is open and the vital signs are stable. You record the vital signs readings and observations and keep an eye on any post-surgery complications. It is your job to educate the family on pain management and long-term care post-surgery to avoid complications. cleaning medical equipment: as a perioperative nurse, you clean surgical instruments and dispose of the gloves and medical supplies used during surgery. You also clean and sterilise the surgical equipment and operating room to ensure it is clean and safe for the next procedure.

As a perioperative nurse, you work in surgical rooms but in diverse work settings. For instance, you work in hospitals, military bases, private clinics, and mining community centres where patients undergo surgery. Regardless of the healthcare facility you work for, you spend most of the day indoors, preparing patients for surgery in theatres and patient wards. You work in a fast-paced environment and are always on your feet.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include general nurses , paediatric nurses and radiographers . You might also be working in close proximity to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants , as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, surgeons, physicians and nursing assistants.

The typical work schedule of a perioperative nurse is 38 hours a week. Since you offer round-the-clock care, you work in rotational shifts. You can work early morning shifts or during the day, and sometimes, you work night shifts. You are likely to work during holidays and weekends during emergencies at the hospital. Aside from working full-time, part-time nursing positions are also available.

Working as a perioperative nurse is a promising career that offers numerous opportunities for career growth. In addition to progressing to higher roles like surgeon or doctor, you can specialise in other aspects of perioperative nursing. Some perioperative nurses become intensive or critical care nurses, while others become registered nurse first assistants.

advantages of finding a perioperative nurse job through randstad

Finding your perioperative nurse job through Randstad provides important advantages such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as perioperative nurse is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what are the duties of perioperative nurses?

As a perioperative nurse, you prepare patients for surgeries by reviewing their medical histories and explaining the procedure. You also serve as a scrub nurse in the operating room, passing instruments and supplies to surgeons. You also provide post-surgical nursing care to prevent complications.

what are the three phases of perioperative nursing?

The perioperative period is divided into three stages. The first stage is pre-operative, which involves providing care before surgeries. The operative stage involves monitoring the vital signs of patients and assisting surgeons in the operating rooms. Post-operative nursing involves caring for patients after a surgical procedure.

how do I become a perioperative nurse in Australia?

If you want to become a perioperative nurse, you should complete the requirements of becoming a registered nurse. After two years of experience, you can pursue a graduate certificate in perioperative nursing to qualify for the role.

is perioperative nursing stressful?

As a perioperative nurse, you work in a stressful environment. While you may have one patient at a time, you have numerous tasks to perform to ensure the surgery is a success.

what qualities should a perioperative nurse possess?

As a perioperative nurse, you rely on critical thinking skills to solve any problems that arise. Empathy and communication skills also help you relate well with patients and explain the surgical procedures.

how do I apply for a perioperative nurse vacancy?

Applying for a perioperative nurse job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here .

Working as a perioperative nurse

what is a perioperative nurse?

As a perioperative nurse, you work in the operating room and are sometimes called a theatre nurse since you provide specialised patient care throughout surgery or intervention procedures. Before surgery, you prepare the patient for the procedure. For instance, you fill out documentation and consent forms and explain the procedure to the patient.

In the operating room, you assist surgeons during procedures. You may act as a scrub nurse, passing instruments and supplies to surgeons or monitoring a patient's vitals during a procedure. Since you are in charge of patient care during the surgery, you ensure the operating room is safe and comfortable for patients. After the surgery, you monitor patients closely and report any changes to the surgeons for immediate action. You also educate patients and their families on post-surgical care and pain management.

Your duties also include cleaning surgical equipment and the operating rooms after surgery. You disinfect and sterilise the tools used and ensure they are clean for the next procedure. If you want to excel as a perioperative nurse, you require exceptional problem-solving skills to handle any issues that arise. Being attentive to details also prevents medical mistakes during and after surgery.

view roles

1

average perioperative nurse salary

In Australia, perioperative nurses earn an average salary of $93,000 per year. However, your remuneration package depends on experience and educational qualifications. In an entry-level position or your first year as a perioperative nurse, you start with a salary of $85,000 per year. With experience and educational qualifications, you earn a higher salary of $100,000 annually.

how to increase your salary as a perioperative nurse

You can boost your remuneration package by improving your qualifications and experience. For instance, when you gain additional qualifications in resuscitation or anaesthesia, you are likely to earn a higher salary compared to theatre nurses with only a graduate certificate in perioperative nursing. Having extensive experience also boosts your remuneration expectations. When you are new to the role, you have minimal experience. However, having years of experience improves your expertise and makes it easier to negotiate a higher salary.

Your area of specialisation may also influence your earnings. For instance, when working in cardiology, you require some experience in handling cardiac patients. Hence, you are likely to earn more due to the additional requirements. Assisting in general surgical procedures reduces your remuneration prospects.

Want to know what you will earn as a perioperative nurse? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

2

types of perioperative nurses

Perioperative nurses specialise in different areas. Some perioperative nurses become holding bay nurses. As a holding bay nurse, you receive and admit patients to a pre-operative environment. Your job is to obtain relevant medical information, such as allergies or sensitivities to medication, that will help the surgical team. As an anaesthetic nurse, you assist the anaesthetist before and after surgery, helping to identify the right anaesthesia to use and monitor vital signs throughout the surgery.

As a circulating nurse, you work inside the operating room during surgery. Your job is to give a surgeon the instruments and tools they need to perform the procedure. You also prepare and clean surgical equipment.

3

working as a perioperative nurse

Working as a perioperative nurse involves assisting patients and surgeons throughout surgical procedures. Check out the duties, responsibilities and work environments of perioperative nurses.

perioperative nurse job description
While your duties vary depending on the surgical procedure or intervention, some common tasks include:
- assessing patients before surgery: as a perioperative nurse, you assess patients admitted for a surgical procedure. Aside from measuring vital signs and checking diagnostic tests, you also review their medical history. For instance, you check for underlying medical conditions, history of surgeries, and allergies to anaesthesia and medication. You inform the surgical team of your findings to ensure the procedure is adjusted to the patient’s medical history.
- educating patients: as a perioperative nurse, you ensure patients and their families are well-informed about the surgical procedures. You educate patients on the pre-surgical procedures and post-operative care that will be provided. When completing the paperwork for surgeries, you also answer any questions from patients.
- assisting surgeons in the theatre: as a perioperative nurse, you assist surgeons in performing the procedures. For instance, you retrieve surgical instruments and hand them over to the surgeons. You also ensure the patient is stable throughout the procedure by keeping an eye on the vital signs.
- post-surgical care: as a perioperative nurse, you ensure the patient is recovering well after surgery. Your job is to ensure the patient’s airway passage is open and the vital signs are stable. You record the vital signs readings and observations and keep an eye on any post-surgery complications. It is your job to educate the family on pain management and long-term care post-surgery to avoid complications.
- cleaning medical equipment: as a perioperative nurse, you clean surgical instruments and dispose of the gloves and medical supplies used during surgery. You also clean and sterilise the surgical equipment and operating room to ensure it is clean and safe for the next procedure.
work environment

As a perioperative nurse, you work in surgical rooms but in diverse work settings. For instance, you work in hospitals, military bases, private clinics, and mining community centres where patients undergo surgery. Regardless of the healthcare facility you work for, you spend most of the day indoors, preparing patients for surgery in theatres and patient wards. You work in a fast-paced environment and are always on your feet.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include general nurses, paediatric nurses and radiographers. You might also be working in close proximity to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, surgeons, physicians and nursing assistants.
work schedule

The typical work schedule of a perioperative nurse is 38 hours a week. Since you offer round-the-clock care, you work in rotational shifts. You can work early morning shifts or during the day, and sometimes, you work night shifts. You are likely to work during holidays and weekends during emergencies at the hospital. Aside from working full-time, part-time nursing positions are also available.
job outlook

Working as a perioperative nurse is a promising career that offers numerous opportunities for career growth. In addition to progressing to higher roles like surgeon or doctor, you can specialise in other aspects of perioperative nursing. Some perioperative nurses become intensive or critical care nurses, while others become registered nurse first assistants.
advantages of finding a perioperative nurse job through randstad
Finding your perioperative nurse job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as perioperative nurse is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

The first step towards becoming a perioperative nurse is becoming a registered nurse. Pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing, which equips you with patient care techniques and clinical knowledge. You'll learn how to take patient vitals and conduct medical examinations. Before practising as a registered nurse, fulfil the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) and register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

After practising as a registered nurse for a few years, pursue a postgraduate qualification, such as a graduate certificate in perioperative nursing. You should also consider getting a relevant master’s degree.

perioperative nurse skills and competencies

Successful perioperative nurses have the following skills and qualities:

communication skills: as a perioperative nurse, you communicate with patients and their families. Your exceptional communication skills help you explain complex concepts to patients and their families. With written communication skills, you prepare medical reports and update records after operations to track patient care.
organisational skills: as a perioperative nurse, you manage various tasks in the operating room. Having organisational skills helps you make better decisions, work efficiently, and provide support to surgeons during procedures.
knowledge of maintaining a safe or sterile environment: as a perioperative nurse, you are expected to adhere to cleanliness and sanitation standards. You should know how to maintain a safe and sterile medical environment for the patients. This involves cleaning surgical equipment and keeping contaminants away from surfaces.
critical thinking skills: as a perioperative nurse, you are expected to think critically and quickly during emergency situations. Having critical thinking skills helps you solve problems logically and calmly, which increases the chances of successful surgeries.
physical strength: as a perioperative nurse, you require good physical stamina since your role involves standing and walking. You also lift patients and help them to their wheelchairs. Being physically fit helps you stand on your feet for long hours.
multitasking skills: since you handle multiple tasks, being efficient is crucial. It is important to have multitasking skills to juggle all of the tasks.

5

FAQs about working as a perioperative nurse

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a perioperative nurse.

what are the duties of perioperative nurses?

As a perioperative nurse, you prepare patients for surgeries by reviewing their medical histories and explaining the procedure. You also serve as a scrub nurse in the operating room, passing instruments and supplies to surgeons. You also provide post-surgical nursing care to prevent complications.
what are the three phases of perioperative nursing?

The perioperative period is divided into three stages. The first stage is pre-operative, which involves providing care before surgeries. The operative stage involves monitoring the vital signs of patients and assisting surgeons in the operating rooms. Post-operative nursing involves caring for patients after a surgical procedure.
how do I become a perioperative nurse in Australia?

If you want to become a perioperative nurse, you should complete the requirements of becoming a registered nurse. After two years of experience, you can pursue a graduate certificate in perioperative nursing to qualify for the role.
is perioperative nursing stressful?

As a perioperative nurse, you work in a stressful environment. While you may have one patient at a time, you have numerous tasks to perform to ensure the surgery is a success.
what qualities should a perioperative nurse possess?

As a perioperative nurse, you rely on critical thinking skills to solve any problems that arise. Empathy and communication skills also help you relate well with patients and explain the surgical procedures.
how do I apply for a perioperative nurse vacancy?

Applying for a perioperative nurse job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

perioperative nurse.