wkc54

whether you scrub or not depends on your facility's usage of surgical technicians, or if there is a shortage. i have been an RN in urology nursing for 20 years, and a nurse for over 30. my previous hospital was an ALL RN facility, and you scrubbed /circulated alternately, dependent on need. at that facility, the number of count errors was virtually zero, the number of surgical site infections was 0.3%. i like to think that is attributable to advanced education, and when i discuss this with former classmates in other facilities, i seem to find the same trend. for the last 24 years, at my current facility, there is a abundance of STs, and scrub days are rare, however i ensure that i scrub at least 5-7 cases per month, to maintain skill level. if you know how to scrub, being a circulator is much less difficult, and you are able to do a better job. in my opinion, if you can't do both, you are at a marked disadvantage.

is your OR using gowns made 'over there'?...we made the change to US made..., and dermatitis cleared up...

after 23 years in OR, and having trained dozens of RNs, CSTs, and other personnel...it seems that you begin to become competent to be left on your own (and able to cover call) at about a year, or so...my opinion...i have been an RN, BSN, for over 30 years....