RN's rarely scrub??

[beachbum3]

I don't think being a RN in the OR is what I thought it was. I always thought one RN scrubbed, and then there was also another RN that was the circulating nurse. This is not so? Surgical Techs now do the scrubbing? This is true everywhere?

[ewattsjt]

considering what all our circulating rns do where i work, i don't see how places can have a tech circulate, since quite a few of the tasks the rn does are not within a tech's scope of practice for that state. i'm just picturing a lot of "where's the rn, ______ needs done."

this reply is for the us folks. the post is intended to try and clarify some things that seem to be misunderstood.

the scope of practice for a tech is really a tricky one. it varies from state to state as much as the seasons vary on the earth depending where you are at the time. there are a few across country no nos like injecting meds, etc… but for the most part the scope of practice, certification, etc… for techs are left up to facility policy not state. these policies do usually go hand in hand with aorn recommendations.

ny, wa, and ca are the only states (last track i had) that policy on the scope of practice for st/cst. there are more states that have policy/limitation on first assisting which is another topic.

i am on many other forums that have lots csts from across the country and it is unbelievable how varied the practice is. some csts can transport, foley, prep, position, etc…and in endoscopy some may “push” the scope for the surgeon while other facilities would never dream of allowing these to be delegated duties. some are under the direction of the circulating rn while others are acting as circulators under the direction of the charge nurses (more common at surgery centers).

the last track i had, only 37 states in the us had laws that demand an rn to be a circulator and some of these laws were lax which is where they have the charge nurse to delegate.

there are also some facilities that have kind of “grandfathered” circulating techs who were circulating and scrubbing before they changed their facility policy; if it is not in violation of state law.

i guess my point is that places do things differently depending on how the standards are interpreted. the aorn, ast, acs, etc… need to get together and on the same page across the nation and make one standard for the safety of the patients.

[tucker12]

What are the responsiblilties of a circulating RN?

Any advice for a new grad who may be interested?