Scrub nurses

[Sardonic Nurse]

Ok, so I know that nurses who scrub make better circulators. However, I took the periop 101 course right out of nursing school and was never taught how to scrub. Many of the nurses here, especially the ones that have been around for awhile, scrub and I sometimes feel at a disadvantage. I'm concerned that if and when I do decide to go to another OR, my chances of getting hired may be lessened because I do not scrub. Is this the case? I've been working here for 2 years now and its the only facility I know. I'm just curious about the rest of the world.

[suzanne4, RN]

There are quite a few nurses that do not scrub and they are excellent at being circulators. It does not necessarily make one a better circulator if they scrub, all comes down to how they manage their room.

Just because one does not scrub, does not mean that they do not know how to anticipate what the scrub or surgeon will be needing or need next.

Experience is what makes the best in any field.

Best of luck to you.

[shodobe]

You will find that a lot of hospitals around the country only use Techs as scrubs. Not knowing how to scrub is not a disadvantage, but can be an assest sometimes. Don't worry about this, concentrate on your circulating duties. Later on when you show management your commitment to OR nursing, maybe they will teach you how to scrub. I started at a time when we only hired RNs and you had to learn both ways, not the case anymore. I work at a hospital that only hires RNs to this day and you have to learn both. This is a very unusual situation and doesn't happen to often anymore. Just relax. it will come natuarally.

[linda2097]

Once you have a year of circulating experience, you can pretty much get a job anywhere in the country. Scrubbing experience is never required. Even if an O.R. requires their nurses to scrub sometimes, they would hire you and then train you to scrub.

Once you get a year of circulating experience, you can write your own ticket.

[karnit]

Yes,you do indeed need to learn how to scrub and manage an operation from the table. True,in many places in the USA,the two are separated and you'll only circulate.

"Knowing " the operation can only really be done if you are on the table. A good circulating nurse is an excellent scrub nurse. Go for it.

[Becky8]

Can someone please explain the difference between scrub and circulating nurse? thanks

[ghorjus_hunk]

Can someone please explain the difference between scrub and circulating nurse? thanks

Basically, the scrub nurse is part of the sterile surgical team.

he assists the surgeons by handing over instruments, sutures etc that are needed intra-op.

the scrub nurse is responsible in maintaining sterility within the sterile field and assuring complete sponges, needles and sutures..etc. ( along with the circulating)

the circulating is the eyes, hands and feet of the scrub nurse outside the sterile field.

he gets whatever the scrub needs, anticipates what the scrub may need and hands over sterile packages.

the circulating nurse is the overseer for the entire surgical team.

manages the room and all the things needed intra-op.

in our case, we carry out medications (antibiotics, skin tests for any pain management meds, etc.)

there are a lot more about these two, but that is basically the difference.

scrub nurse = sterile

circulating = outside the sterile field.

[knapper45]

The fact that you are concerned shows what a great nurse you are! Learning to scrub helps with case prep, supply prep and anticipation of general needs. Being a great circulator means staying focused on the patient even when the drapes are on, paying constant attention to what is happening on the field, and listening to what is going on. Sitting in the corner on the internet shows poor judgement! Your heart is in the right place so do not worry about not bing able to scrub; that is not important in many places. Using your critical thinking skills and being organized is way more important. Keep up the good work but also watch for opportunities during downtimes to learn to scrub! Your persistance will help your learning! Good luck!