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.

[Fun2, BSN, RN]

AORN is big, and with AORN and ANA joining forces, I'm sure it will be a long time, if ever, that RNs are taken completely out.

I guess you should always ask if there is a nurse in the OR if you have surgery. In Texas, there definitely is!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Always an RN circulator here. Policy is that only RNs can dispense meds to the field, and at least one of the people doing counts must be an RN. I don't see it changing anytime soon, especially since a different area is staffed only with techs at this point and there have been some really bad things happening there; and with AORN and the ANA, I can only see more facilities/states require that only an RN circulate.

[alodocios]

I am an lpn going for her asn, hope to get hired and continue for my bsn. All i have ever wanted to do is work in the or. i am from connecticut and i would like to work at Yale NewHaven Hospital. I don't know how often they hire new nurses to the or. I know they have techs but i would die if RN's were taken out of the or, it is the only nursing i ever want to do.

[redraider1977]

Im with you there, have NO desire to do any kind of bedside nursing. In my first semester of RN program and knew that quick!!

[shodobe]

Most states, at least the ones with intelligence, ONLY allow for RNs to circulate. This will be the norm for years to come. remember, there is a big difference between a certified person, scrub tech, and a licensed person, an RN. I know, LPNs are licensed, but that is another story. The tech association has tried for years to do their behind the back lobbying and it hasn't worked. The RN is the only person who should be an advocate for the patient. They are trained specially for that where a tech only knows how to pass instruments. Let the slamming begin!

[www.angel29]

I'm currently enrolled in a Surgical Technology program (going into my 3rd semester), and it is true when we perform counts we have to have an RN present, when we receive meds the RN passes it to us we label it and pass it to the surgeon. We can only do our job as a surg tech, we cannot do the RN's job. I live in NYC and even our teacher (he's a surgeon) tells us the roles that are in the OR and how these roles have to be adhered to.

[www.angel29]

Not to mention also that we have to work under supervision of the RN.... if anything check out the role of a Surgical Technologist in the OR.. if you go to www.ast.org you will see the role of a Surgical Technologist... not only that, but as of right now Surgical Technologists are not licensed, but certified...we work closely with the Surgeon and RN...

[www.angel29]

Each role in(my opinion) is important and to be a team is just as important...

[brownbook]

I'm so confused. Do an allnurses serach "who can obtain biopsies?" I posted it. It seems in California "they" are trying to take away tech priviliges so that only nurses can assist! Thankfully in our surgery/GI clinic we are doing things the same old way, using techs, until someone in their ivory tower decides what the policy/protocol is.