Career Description 

In this challenging occupation, you will specialize in patient care during the preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative phases of surgery.

Perioperative Nurses have a lot of responsibility. You may provide pre- and post operative teaching to patients and their families. Some of your intra operative duties may include patient assessment, identifying desired patient outcomes and evaluating patient care. To provide a safe
environment, perioperative nurses need to have a broad knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiological alterations and risk factors.

You will have the opportunity to use your skills and knowledge of surgical procedures, instruments, suture, aseptic techniques and equipment in caring for patients. Your responsibilities will also encompass circulating, scrubbing and assisting during the patient’s surgical intervention.

Perioperative Nurses are employed in either the inpatient or outpatient surgical departments of hospitals or surgicenters.

Employment Outlook 

Employment of Perioperative Nurses is increasing with the demand for more healthcare. In Arizona, Perioperative Nurse positions are expected to increase 20% or more in the next 10 years. Perioperative Nurses earn an average of $12.12 to $44.62 an hour for an average salary of $25,210 to $91,810 a year.

Accreditation

Certification through Certification Board Perioperative Nursing available after two years experience working in the operating room.