As a scrub nurse, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of surgery to provide safe and effective care to patients. Scrub nurses play a vital role in the operating room and must have knowledge of the surgical procedures, instruments, and equipment used. Gastric bypass surgery is a complex and challenging procedure that requires precise coordination between all members of the surgical team, especially the scrub nurse. The given reflection will reflect the scrub nurse’s understanding of gastric bypass surgery based on the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) standards and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) guidelines.
ORNAC and AORN provide comprehensive standards for scrub nurses to follow during surgery. The ORNAC standards include the use of appropriate surgical attire, including gowns, masks, and gloves, to prevent the spread of infection (ORNAC Standards Committee, 2021). Scrub nurses must understand and adhere to proper sterilization and instrumentation techniques to prevent contamination. The setup of gastric bypass surgery requires careful preparation, including proper positioning of the patient, sterile draping, and the precise positioning of instruments and equipment (AORN, 2019). The scrub nurse plays a critical role in ensuring the surgical field remains sterile and free of contaminants (ORNAC Standards Committee, 2021). Additionally, the scrub nurse must have a thorough understanding of the instruments and equipment used in the procedure, including their proper handling and maintenance.
During the gastric bypass surgery procedure, the scrub nurse must be aware of the surgeon’s movements and anticipate their needs by providing the necessary instruments and supplies. This requires close attention to detail and the ability to think critically and quickly (AORN, 2019). The scrub nurse must ensure the safe handling of sharps and specimens, as well as maintain the count of all instruments, sponges, and needles. The critical role of the scrub nurse in gastric bypass surgery cannot be overstated. The scrub nurse is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the sterile field and ensuring that the patient remains safe and comfortable throughout the procedure (ORNAC Standards Committee, 2021). This requires a thorough understanding of the procedure and the ability to anticipate the surgeon’s needs while maintaining strict adherence to the ORNAC and AORN standards.
The AORN guidelines emphasize the importance of communication and collaboration in the gastric bypass surgery operating room. Scrub nurses must be able to communicate effectively with the surgeon and other members of the surgical team to ensure a smooth and efficient procedure. It includes providing updates on patient status and equipment needs, as well as ensuring that the patient’s comfort and safety are maintained throughout the procedure (AORN, 2019). AORN guidelines further emphasize the importance of proper positioning of the patient to enhance collaboration between members of the surgical team (AORN, 2019). ORNAC standards emphasize the importance of maintaining a sterile field, proper instrument handling, and the safe handling of sharps and specimens (ORNAC Standards Committee, 2021). Additionally, ORNAC standards stress the importance of maintaining accurate counts of all instruments, sponges, and needles to prevent retained surgical items.
In conclusion, gastric bypass surgery is a complex and challenging procedure that requires a thorough understanding of the procedure, ORNAC standards, and AORN guidelines. As a scrub nurse, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the critical role that one plays in ensuring the safety and comfort of the patient. The scrub nurse must be prepared, attentive, and able to anticipate the needs of the surgeon while maintaining strict adherence to the ORNAC and AORN standards.
References
AORN. (2019). Perioperative nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice [PDF document]. Web.
ORNAC Standards Committee. (2021). ORNAC standards, guidelines, and position statements for perioperative registered nurses (15th ed.). ORNAC.