RN and Surgical Technician?

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2014

I'd consider asking this in the OR nursing under specialties. I think it may depend on the surgeon and facilities preferences/policies.

It seemed like the nurses were more involved in the procedure than the surgical techs but I have zero experience in surgery. When I had a quick procedure in an OR, there was two nurses and a doctor there and no surgical tech. Then during the OB clinical the C-section had a surgical tech who was setting up/counting, handing tools, and doing the initial count at the end but did not seem like they were fully involved. However, there were two doctors and I do not think the 2nd doctor was a resident. Then during the surgery rotation, it seemed like the surgery techs had similar roles with focusing more on the set up and managing the tools and the RN seemed like they were more involved. However, it could be the area preferences or it could have just been the luck of the draw of the stuff I watched.

There's an RN First Assistant certification usually for experienced OR nurses but some people say it's not worth getting the certification due to the limited pay increases. Once again though, I have zero experience so I'd seek out opinions in the surgery nurses in the OR forum.

Operating Room Nursing

tbbtpeach · Jun 4, 2014

(This question might have better luck here than in the General Nursing Student forum.)

This may sound strange, but has anyone heard of a Registered Nurse getting a Surgical Tech certification?

I only ask because I believe I would love the OR but have heard that even surgical nurses really don't get much hands on surgical time.

(And by surgical time, I mean helping the surgeon with suction, clamping, tools, closing up, etc...correct me if I'm wrong about surgical nurses not doing these things).

If you have heard of this, can these nurses do more surgery-wise with their surgical tech license?

I'm just curious. I'm starting my 2nd year of a 4 year BSN program, so basically, I'm just sniffing some things out right now.

Thanks so much for any and all answers!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2014

threads merged as per the Terms of Service.

What you are asking about is RNFA RN first assist...yes it exists. use link to a Google search

First Assisting (RNFA) : Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 4, 2014

Whether RNs scrub or not will vary from facility to facility. My hospital utilizes primarily STs in the scrub role, although there are some nurses who previously were STs who fill in when short. They are responsible for maintaining the sterile field, setting up the instrument table, draping the patient, setting up items such as bovie and suction, and handing instruments and suture to the surgeon. Without additional training, they are not permitted to use the bovie or suture. They may suction under the direct supervision of the surgeon, and some have had additional education and may be allowed to suture small incisions. In cases where an extra person is needed only to hold retractors, they may also function in this role (second assistant). However, to do more extensive things such as what applesxoranges is describing, they must either become a certified first assistant (ST with additional education) or registered nurse first assistant (RN with additional education). However, only a few surgeons rely on these two specialties as many have practice hired PAs that will function in the role of the first assistant.

If you are thinking about OR nursing, I highly suggest shadowing an OR nurse for at least a full shift. Rather than focusing on the surgery itself during the shadow opportunity, observe what the nurse is doing- they really are responsible for more patient care than people realize. For example, many surgeons are not present when the patient is positioned- the nurse is responsible for ensuring that the position is appropriate for the surgical procedure and that the patient is protected from potential injuries. OR nurses are also responsible for dispensing and sometimes even mixing medications, such as heparinized saline and local mixes.