What does a surgical/trauma nurse do?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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I looking at a job change and I am wondering if you could provide any insight into what a surgical/trauma RN does?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

A surgical trauma nurse, or Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Registered Nurse (STICU RN), is a highly skilled healthcare professional who provides critical care to patients with surgical and trauma-related conditions. Their responsibilities include: 

  • Assessing patients. Quickly assessing patients to prioritize the most severe injuries 
  • Stabilizing patients. Using advanced medical expertise to stabilize patients and keep them alive 
  • Providing emergency care. Giving first aid, CPR, emergency medications, IV fluids, or blood transfusions 
  • Performing wound care. Performing specialized wound care and treatment 
  • Communicating with others. Working with physicians to provide updates on medical conditions and communicating with first responders 
  • Providing patient support. Reassuring patients and their families and providing patient education 

Surgical trauma nurses work in fast-paced, high-intensity environments. They may need to be bilingual and able to work with culturally diverse people. They should also have excellent communication, time management, and customer service skills

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

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