Surgical Nursing
Learn More about Surgical Nursing
A surgical nurse (also called a medical-surgical nurse) is a nurse who specializes in perioperative care, meaning care provided to surgical patients before, during, and after surgery. In pre-operative care, a surgical nurse helps to prepare a patient for surgery, both physically and emotionally. During surgery, a surgical nurse assists the surgeon, passing instruments, keeping an eye on the patient’s vital signs, and performing other tasks associated with the surgery.
Post-operative care is also a critical part of a surgical nurse’s work. Nurses can work in acute recovery, keeping an eye on patients who are at serious risk of complications, and on more standard recovery floors in the hospital. They are usually responsible for changing dressings, monitoring vital signs, looking for signs of complications, and administering medications.
Preparation Path
Earn your BSN
Pass the NCLEX and become an RN
Get your CMSRN or RN-BC certification
Typical Tasks
- Preparing patients for surgery
- Passing instruments during surgery
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs during surgery
- Changing patients’ dressings
- Administering medications
Employment Settings
- Inpatient care units
- Clinics
- HMOs
- Ambulatory care units
- Skilled nursing homes
- Urgent care centers
- Surgical centers
Annual Salary Range
$40,500 – $106,500
Certification
RN, Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse, or Registered Nurse-Board Certified (RN-BC)
Education Requirements
BSN
