Will there always be an RN in the OR?

[ruralgirl08]

Hi, I am trying to learn more about OR nursing and it's future for that matter. I have an interest in training for the OR, and would like to make a good decision, I am a BSN RN. I realize it varies from state to state, or even country to country for that matter, but do you think there will always be a place for the RN in the OR? I realize there are LPNs and surg techs that also work in the OR, within their scope of practice. But with hospitals slashing jobs, wages, ect, and other allied health positions created. Do you think there will always be a place for the RN in the OR? Where do you think the future of the OR nurse is headed? Or will there be more expanded roles? Thanks for the replies.

[Argo]

Always RNs for sure. Its a required license to do surgery in a hospital. Very few lpns and the usually function as scrub techs or Anesthesia techs. RNs can do any of these jobs but they can not takrtheplace of the required RN in the room.

[Argo]

When I say hospital I really mean any jcaho accredited facility.

[MereSanity]

I don't know. The national surgical technologist association is trying to get RN's OUT of the OR stating they are specifically trained for the OR while we are not (while we are specifically trained for patient care while they are not). Their group is lobbying the powers that be (along with AORN who are pro RN) to get RN's out. Now, with socialized medicine I am concerned. So concerned I am actively trying to return to school looking at an NP (someday). This topic has gotten ugly on other boards.

[elkpark]

I don't know, either (but then, I'm a life-long pessimist ...) There was a time when no one considered the possibility that anyone other than an RN could pass instruments, and look how that's changed. Much of what used to be RN responsibilities has been "spun off" into other disciplines/roles over the years. We (RNs) need to stay on our toes to keep any more of our jobs and roles being eliminated.

[Argo]

That depends on the roles you're talking about in the OR. Scrub techs are trained in "the field" rn's are trained on the pt first along with the pharmacology but also get training in "the field" as well as trained on te technology used in the OR that techs don't know anything about. You find me a hospital without an RN in the room and ill send you a box of cookies.

If your taking about taking the RN out of scrubbing then I would say its possible. It would save plenty of money in staffing for sure.

[ruralgirl08]

Well, I hope there will always be an RN in the OR. I would really like to work in one and plan on taking a perioperative program this fall. It would be nice if they could think about expanding the RN role (like RNFA, ect.) versus taking away from it. Btw, Is it difficult to cross-train in PACU from the OR?

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

I wouldn't worry, they've been trying this for years. I was a scrub tech before(10 years ago) and they were talking about it then. I did a scrub's job so I can tell you they do not have the skill set to circulate-they are not trained for the "big picture". I have a degree in surgical technology and I can tell you it was was more focused on the surgery itself and not the other aspects, which are important. Add to that the fact that scrubs aren't licensed, that their programs range from a OTJ training(back in the day), a few months of school, or a 2 year degree, and they really have no leg to stand on..

In my state, LPNs and scrubs cannot circulate. In my hospital, new OR RNs are expected to learn how to scrub..IMO, it's better this way, because it gives much more flexibility in staffing. Some places won't hire scrub techs anymore-they're going back to an all RN staff.

[sm9796]

I think it would be a sad day to see an OR without an RN. RNs are more patient focused. We're patient advocates, we're the ones that speak up and protect the patient when necessary. We see 'the whole picture'.

On another note, in Victoria, Australia we don't have many anaesthetic techs and no Nurse anaesthetist (that I'm aware of). I think the anaesthetists would fight the decision to have nurse anaesthetists, however it's been done in other countries so who's to say it won't happen here.

[redraider1977]

Texas passed a law that only RN's can circulate.

[nrsman1]

Rural girl where I work we are requires to cross train in the pacu, because when we are on call we recover out own patients

[ruralgirl08]

Good to know, thanks for the replies! :)