DUTIES OF SCRUB NURSE

Before an operation

• Ensures that the circulating nurse has checked the equipment
• Ensures that the theater has been cleaned before the trolley is set
• Prepares the instruments and equipment needed in the operation
• Uses sterile technique for scrubbing, gowning and gloving
• Receives sterile equipment via circulating nurse using sterile technique
• Performs initial sponges, instruments and needle count, checks with circulating nurse

When surgeon arrives after scrubbing

• Perform assisted gowning and gloving to the surgeon and assistant surgeon as soon as they enter the operation suite
• Assemble the drapes according to use. Start with towel, towel clips, draw sheet and then lap sheet. Then, assist in draping the patient aseptically according to routine procedure
• Place blade on the knife handle using needle holder, assemble suction tip and suction tube
• Bring mayo stand and back table near the draped patient after draping is completed
• Secure suction tube and cautery cord with towel clips or allis
• Prepares sutures and needles according to use

During an operation

• Maintain sterility throughout the procedure
• Awareness of the patient’s safety
• Adhere to the policy regarding sponge/ instruments count/ surgical needles
• Arrange the instrument on the mayo table and on the back table

Before the Incision Begins

• Provide 2 sponges on the operative site prior to incision
• Passes the 1st knife for the skin to the surgeon with blade facing downward and a hemostat to the assistant surgeon
• Hand the retractor to the assistant surgeon
• Watch the field/ procedure and anticipate the surgeon’s needs
• Pass the instrument in a decisive and positive manner
• Watch out for hand signals to ask for instruments and keep instrument as clean as possible by wiping instrument with moist sponge
• Always remove charred tissue from the cautery tip
• Notify circulating nurse if you need additional instruments as clear as possible
• Keep 2 sponges on the field
• Save and care for tissue specimen according to the hospital policy
• Remove excess instrument from the sterile field
• Adhere and maintain sterile technique and watch for any breaks

End of Operation

• Undertake count of sponges and instruments with circulating nurse
• Informs the surgeon of count result
• Clears away instrument and equipment
• After operation: helps to apply dressing
• Removes and siposes of drapes
• De-gown
• Prepares the patient for recovery room
• Completes documentation
• Hand patient over to recover room

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