Operating Theatre Manager
Scrub Nurse

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

An operating room technician, also known as an OR technician or Surgical Technologist, plays an essential role in the surgical landscape. To ensure a smooth and effective surgical process, OR technicians assist surgeons, nurses and other medical staff in various tasks.

Operating Room Technicians are to prepare the operating room for surgery, set up surgical instruments and equipment, maintain sterile conditions, and monitor the patient and equipment during surgery. They may also prepare patients for surgery and transport them to and from surgery. Surgical technologists may also perform a task called “circulating,” which can involve bringing in supplies or equipment and other tasks that do not require maintaining sterile conditions.

Specialisations:

Knowledge, skills and attributes

• Technical skills: Technical proficiency is a key aspect of an OR technician's role. It includes a good understanding of surgical procedures, instrument usage and sterilization techniques. Training from accredited programs combined with hands-on experience can significantly enhance this skill.

• Ability to work well under stressful and emergency situations: the OR can be a high-stress environment. Staying calm, thinking quickly and performing effectively under pressure are pivotal skills for an OR technician.

• Able to act quickly, accurately and with minimal supervision

• Interpersonal skills: Work well with other people - able to work as part of a team. As an OR technician, you will be part of a large and diverse surgical team. The ability to communicate effectively with team members, empathize with patients and provide comfort in stressful situations are significant interpersonal skills that can help you succeed.

• Exhibit manual dexterity

• Attention to detail: Operating room technicians play an essential role in surgical procedures where meticulousness can potentially save a life. From preparing a sterile environment to handling the correct surgical instrument during complex procedures, precise attention to detail is important.

• Organised and methodical

• Physical stamina - good general health and fitness

• Good communication skills

• Empathy    

(Source: Liveabout)

Duties and Tasks

• Sterilizing equipment and surgical tools
• Ensuring equipment in the operating room is set up and working properly
• Getting patients ready for surgery
• Transport patients to and from the theatre and wards
• Assist in preparing operating rooms for surgery
• Set up, check, connect and adjust surgical equipment
• Provide technical assistance to surgeons, surgical nurses and anaesthetists
• Clean and restock the operating room, arranging instruments, supplies and equipment according to instruction: ensure operating room table is wiped down, floor cleaned, linen and rubbish removed at conclusion of each procedure
• Position patients for surgical and anaesthetic treatments. Operating theatre technicians usually work closely within a team in a restricted physical environment
• Inventorying surgical supplies
• Passing instruments to the surgeon during an operation
• Assist circulating nurse with care of the patient while in the room, providing nursing care to all patients of all ages
• Preparation of cases for following day
• Keep doctor’s preference cards updated

They are responsible for helping to maintain a sterile surgery suite, including preparation of a sterile instrument table, as well as other supplies and equipment necessary for a given procedure; they also gather supplies for sterilization after the surgery is complete.

OR Team
(Source: St John of God Murdoch)

Working conditions

Surgical Technologists are mostly hired to work in hospitals, although they may also work in ambulatory surgery centers or physicians’ offices in which procedures are performed. Both professionals do work that is physically demanding, and both are on their feet for much of their shifts. Most work in these fields is full time, but hours can vary and may include on-call hours for weekends or evenings and shifts that are longer than eight hours.

Surgical technicians generally report to RNs (registered nurses) and provide support functions to the members of an operating room team. The ability to anticipate the patient's and surgical team's needs during an operation is a crucial part of their job. Specifically, they often are responsible for providing support and comfort to patients about to have an operation, including transporting them to and from the operating room. They may also be involved in monitoring the patient during surgery and getting the patient into the proper position for a particular type of surgery.

Operating theatre technicians may be required to comply with strict uniform requirements.

Lifting Requirements
    
Very Heavy- is considered generally lifting objects in excess of 220K [100 lbs.] with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 110K [50lbs or more].

Tools and technologies

As a certified surgical technologist (CST®), you will need to know the medical terminology for hundreds of surgical instruments—and you'll be well equipped to work in a laboratory or operating room.

Some equipment:

Surgical supplies; instruments for the operation; steriliser; personal protective equipment (PPE)—surgical scrubs, masks, scrub caps, surgical gowns, gloves and eyewear.

(Source: ECPI University)

Education and training/entrance requirements

A surgical technician may be an employee who has limited education beyond a high school diploma and has primarily received on-the-job training. Surgical technologists spend nine months to two years in training and may receive a diploma, certificate of completion or an associate degree, depending on the program. Prerequisites usually include a high school diploma and an acceptable score. Coursework includes anatomy, biology, physiology, surgical pharmacology, sterile technique, anesthesia techniques, and the use of surgical instruments, equipment and supplies. Some programs also include courses in surgical robotics and biomechanics. Surgical technologists may also be certified.

Surgical technicians are generally expected to have prior experience in a surgical setting; they are often required to hold LPN or RN designation themselves.

Surgical technologists need a certificate or associate’s degree in surgical technology. Surgical assistants typically have experience as a surgical technologist or have completed a formal education program in surgical assisting. Surgical technologists’ work spans from the mundane and routine to urgent and critical, all with the focus on saving lives and aiding healing.

You can work as an Operating Theatre Technician without formal qualifications, however, a Certificate III or IV in Health Services Assistance or operating theatre technical support is usually required. You can also become an operating theatre technician through a traineeship in Health Services Assistance.

Employment Opportunities

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Health Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry. Operating theatre technicians work in hospital or healthcare settings.

Some work in day surgeries, endoscopy clinics and eye surgeries. With experience and further training, operating theatre technicians may progress to higher graded roles.

OR technicians operate in various healthcare settings. These include but are not limited to:

• Hospitals: Surgical suites and outpatient centres

• Health clinics: Including specialized surgical procedures

• Private practices: Assisting surgeons in different specializations

• Military hospitals: Providing urgent surgical care to service members
  

(Source: Cairn Technology)

Operating theatre managers are responsible for ensuring the successful running of the operating theatre environment. The operating theatre manager oversees the theatre’s day-to-day operational issues. They will often manage multiple sites. Their responsibilities involve managing budgets and resources, as well as implementing risk management and health and safety policies.

As well as providing professional leadership to all theatre staff, they might lead on research projects and assess, develop, and implement new evidence-based programmes of care.

ANZSCO ID: 100000 (Managers)
  
Alternative names: Theatre Operations Manager,
   
Knowledge, skills and attributes

How Can Operating Theatre Managers Help Improve Quality and Efficiency in their Departments?

Regular visits, along with regular discussions with staff, can help operating theatre managers get a reliable overview of their departments’ operational status. Areas of focus should include equipment availability and functionality, staff rotas, the number of cancellations and delays, and whether or not operating lists finish on schedule.

Investing in an Efficient Operating Theatre

Implementing resource management strategies is a key responsibility for an operating theatre manager. Operating theatre managers also oversee their department budgets, and a good manager will constantly seek ways they can invest their available funds to improve efficiency without compromising on quality of care.

The specific choice of equipment can make a huge difference to the department’s overall efficiency, but also to infection prevention and control – one of the major challenges operating theatre managers face in a post pandemic world.

This is one area where the smallest thing can make a significant difference. For example, high quality absorbent operating theatre floor mats can be simply picked up and discarded following procedures. This means that theatre teams will spend less time mopping between operations. So teams can significantly reduce the turnaround times between procedures while removing a major health and safety risk – slippery floors – all without compromising on hygiene standards.

Duties and Tasks

• Leadership, advice and communication: Operating theatre managers lead both medical and non-medical theatre staff. They provide professional leadership to the theatre teams, often providing professional and clinical advice regarding procedures and perioperative care, when necessary. At the same time, they’ll supervise all non-medical staff while promoting multidisciplinary teamwork and effective communication between team members at all levels.

• Motivation and mentorship: A good operating theatre manager will focus on motivating and developing their team through providing mentorship, and through setting objectives and ensuring their delivery through personal development plans and appraisals.

• Development and research: As well as developing their teams, the operating theatre manager will also work towards developing their departments. They might participate in research projects and research-based practice. They might also lead on the assessment, development and implementation of new evidence-based programmes for improved quality of care.

• Budgeting, payroll and resource management: The operating theatre manager will supervise the administrative and logistical side of the operating theatre. This will involve overseeing the department’s budget and payroll, taking the lead on risk management and Health and Safety policies, and implementing resource management strategies. Operating theatre managers may also lead on developing effective infection prevention and control policies.
  

Working conditions

Operative environments can be acutely stressful, with heavy workloads and high-risk decision making.

Theatre is a valuable and necessary section of the health system, and scrub/scout nurses are one of the fundamental pieces keeping the operating theatre running smoothly.

Colloquially referred to as ‘scrub nurse’, the instrument nurse is a member of the sterile team who scrubs, gowns and gloves for the surgical procedure. A scrub nurse is a key part of any preoperative surgical team. Often working behind the scenes in the operating room (OR), scrub nurses play a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of surgical procedures.
They provide nursing care to patients before, during and after a surgical or non-surgical procedure.

A scrub/scout nurse is a registered nurse working directly in the operating theatre. These two roles are interchangeable, and one cannot be done without the other. Most scrub/scout nurses will work both alternate roles throughout a shift.

The scrub/scout role is to assist the team in setting up the theatre, positioning the patient for surgery, setting up and maintaining the sterile field, advocating for the patient during surgery, assisting the surgical team and conducting the documentation process.

ANZSCO ID: 254423

Alternative names: Theatre Nurse, Instrument Nurse, Perioperative Nurse, Surgical Nurse, Scout Nurse, Instrument/Circulation Nurse,
  
Specialisations
  
Knowledge, skills and attributes

A good instrument nurse is always aware of what is happening, listens to the operative conversation and thinks ahead to ensure the needs of surgical team members are met.

The instrument nurse requires

• critical thinking skills

• the ability to adapt to any changes in the patients’ condition

• a good knowledge of applied anatomy as it relates to various surgical procedures

• an understanding of intra-operative complications and their management

• technical knowledge relating to surgical instruments, supplies and equipment required for the surgery

• the ability to anticipate procedural needs in a timely manner to support the surgeon

• the ability to be constantly aware of what is happening, to listen to the operative conversation and to think and plan ahead to ensure the needs of the surgical members of team are met

• very good communication skills.

(Source: NHS Fife)

Duties and Tasks

A scrub nurse usually performs various tasks within the operating room. These tasks can be dynamic and complex, depending on the operative environment. In the intricate dance of the operating room, the scrub nurse plays a central role, ensuring that surgeries proceed smoothly and safely. Their meticulous attention to detail, sterile technique, and commitment to patient advocacy make them invaluable members of the surgical team.

• prepare instruments and set up other surgical equipment

• position, prepare and drape the patient per surgical procedure

• assist the surgical team in scrubbing in for surgery

• are responsible for setting up and handing sterile supplies and instruments to the surgeon

• anticipate the surgeon's needs in surgical equipment and instruments

• label and document medication and operating room items

• monitor the patient's respiratory and cardiovascular signs

• perform safety checks and discard waste from the surgery room

• hand the patient to the recovery team after a procedure

• create a plan of action for potential complications

• communicate and collaborate with the surgical team throughout the procedure

• remain on standby to take part in emergency surgeries

• maintain an accurate count of all accountable items throughout the procedure

• consistently monitor the intra-operative environment and the aseptic status of the sterile team using their surgical conscience

(Source: RCN)

Responsibilities of a Scrub Nurse

The role of a scrub nurse is diverse and encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that can be categorized into several key areas:

• Preoperative preparation:

  • Scrub nurses prepare the OR by ensuring that all necessary surgical instruments and supplies are sterile and readily available.

  • They verify patient identification and surgical site to prevent errors.

  • Setting up the sterile field, which includes draping the patient and creating a sterile environment around the surgical site.

• Assisting surgeons:

  • Scrub nurses assist surgeons by handing them sterile instruments and supplies during the procedure.

  • They anticipate the surgeon's needs, ensuring a seamless flow of instruments and equipment.

  • Maintaining a meticulous surgical count of all instruments, sponges, and other materials used during the procedure to prevent foreign object retention.

• Patient advocacy:

  • Advocating for patient safety is a core responsibility. Scrub nurses are vigilant in monitoring patients' vital signs, ensuring they are stable during the surgery.

  • They advocate for the patient's comfort and well-being, addressing any concerns or discomfort promptly.

• Sterile technique:

  • Scrub nurses adhere to strict aseptic techniques to maintain a sterile environment in the OR

  • They don sterile gowns, gloves, and other protective gear to prevent contamination.

• Postoperative care:

  • After the surgery, scrub nurses assist in the postoperative care of the patient, helping to transfer them to the recovery area while ensuring their safety and comfort.
    
    

Working conditions

Scrub nurses typically work in public hospitals or private medical centres. A scrub nurse is a specialised nurse who works alongside surgeons and other medical personnel in the operating room. These professionals usually work alongside surgeons in the operating theatre when performing elective and life-saving procedures.

Scrub nurses usually start their day by checking the whiteboard to see which surgeon they might be assisting. They may then meet with the team leader for each operating room to discuss potential risks that might arise during the shift.

Scrub nurses often spend parts of their shift dressing appropriately for a surgical procedure. These professionals might work with other nurses to check and set up all surgical instruments, sets and devices on the operating table.

Team briefing follows, where the theatre team meets with the surgeon and talks about the patient, their condition, potential challenges and any medication involved. Shifts are typically 10 hours long and workload may vary depending on the employer.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Scrub nurses usually obtain the right education and experience to fulfil their job duties. This role is suitable for both registered and enrolled nurses. Registered nurses need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing degree and a postgraduate degree that focuses on intra-operative nursing roles.

Enrolled nurses need to complete a Diploma of Nursing that includes medication administration.

The following steps can show you how to become a scrub nurse RN:

•  Earn a nursing degree
    
  To become a scrub nurse, you can start by completing a nursing degree at an accredited university or nursing school. A degree in nursing equips you with the knowledge and clinical experience you may use to take the registration exams and begin working as a registered scrub nurse. A full-time degree usually takes four years to complete.

•  Gain relevant work experience
    
  Nurses typically obtain work experience in a medical environment before working alongside surgeons. You can apply for an internship at a local hospital. Nurses are usually trained on the job by a qualified, senior nurse with pre-operative, surgery and post-operative care. During the internship, you might learn to sterilise surgical equipment, prepare scrubs and assist patients. Training also equips you with pre-operative and post-operative patient care skills to work in a high-stress operative environment, critical care or even ICU in a hospital.

•  Register with the appropriate board
    
  Once you earn your degree and have some nursing experience, you can apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia or the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). These agencies regulate nursing and health practitioners countrywide. To register, go to the AHPRA website and download the general registration form then fill in the relevant details before submitting it for approval.
  

An average day as a scrub/scout nurse By Codie Reupert-Allen MACN Codie Reupert-Allen MACN is a perioperative scrub/scout registered nurse in Melbourne Education Deakin University Graduate diploma of Perioperative Nursing, Perioperative/Operating Room and Surgical Nurse/Nursing 2021 - 2022 Monash University Master of Nursing , Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 2018 - 2019 Monash University Bachelor's degree, Developmental Biology and Physiology 2015 - 2017 The following is taken directly from the Australian College of Nursing The theatres where I work operate 24/7 so there are always different shift times. However, the bulk of our operating lists for both elective and emergency surgery take place between 8am and 4:30pm. My shift starts at 7:30am, when I arrive at the hospital. The first thing I do is get changed into my theatre scrubs, shoes, and scrub hat. This specific theatre attire ensures that our own clothes do not get dirty, prevent outside dirt from entering the theatre department, and contain our hair, so it does not contaminate the surgical field. Then we have a huddle, where we discuss the planned operating list for the day, highlighting any areas of concern. Areas to be addressed early include the need for special equipment, or patients with increased anaesthetic or surgical risk that may need to go to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) post-operatively. Once the huddle is complete, I start setting up the theatre for the day. Some perioperative scrub/scout nurses will specialise in one area – for example vascular or general surgery – and will often work only in these specialties. I am a bit of an all-rounder, so I do not have an assigned specialty. Scrub/scout nurses work together to set up each case. Before the first case we often discuss who will take the scrub and the scout role for each procedure. Starting with the scrub role, I perform my first surgical hand scrub of the day, while the scout nurse opens the equipment and instruments we need for the case. The first hand wash of the day takes five minutes and involves using water and an iodine or chlorhexidine wash to ensure as much bacteria as possible is removed from my hands. This is where the term ‘scrub’ nurse comes from – as I am the one ‘scrubbing’ my hands. Once I have ‘scrubbed’ in, I put on my sterile surgical gown and gloves with the help of my scout nurse, which is done in a specific way to ensure I stay ‘sterile’ for the surgery. I then start checking the instruments and equipment the scout nurse hands me to ensure they have been properly sterilised and are in good working order. I organise my trolley where all the instruments we need for the case are laid out. My scout nurse and I then perform a count of all the instruments and equipment I have on my trolley. This count is recorded. Once I am set up and the patient is anaesthetised, we enter the theatre and perform ‘time out.’ This is a final check with all members of the theatre team present to ensure we have the correct patient, are doing the consented procedure and have the correct equipment. Once everyone is happy with the time out, we begin the procedure. My role during the procedure is to ensure the sterility of the surgical field, hand up instruments to the surgeon and occasionally assist with suctioning and retracting. As the procedure comes to the end and the surgeon begins to close, the scout and scrub nurse work together to perform another count of the instruments and equipment. For every layer that is closed, we count to ensure all instruments and equipment are accounted for. After all counts have been completed and are correct, I assist in cleaning the patient and applying the dressings, then transferring the patient off the operating table onto a bed, checking the documentation and cleaning up the theatre. For the next case I work as the scout nurse, taking on the other side of our daily role. I begin by opening all the equipment and instruments in a sterile manner and counting in all the instruments and equipment with the scrub nurse. I also check with the other health professionals present in theatre, such as midwives and surgeons, to check if there are any extra equipment requirements or expected difficulties with the surgery so that I can prepare for them early. After everything has been confirmed, I ensure all my paperwork is correct, such as the patient’s consent and any allergies. I then record the important operating details such as the patient’s position, the use of positioning equipment, all persons present in the theatre etc. After the patient is anaesthetised, I perform the ‘time out’ and then assist the scrub nurse throughout the surgery. The scout nurse also keeps the record of events of the surgery, such as time of birth (for caesarean sections), specimens taken, and amount of blood loss etc. During the day there may be announcements of codes; hospital codes have different meanings, and all healthcare workers need to know what they mean and how to react to ensure that they are attended to in a timely manner. In the operating theatre at my hospital one of the most common codes we respond to day and night is a CODE PINK. This is an emergency case where a baby needs to be delivered via caesarean section immediately. Part of our response in theatre is to set up and perform this surgery very quickly. Once the surgical list is complete, we clean and restock the theatre and set it up in case an emergency comes in overnight. We then change back into our normal clothing and head home. The great thing about perioperative nursing is that no two days are the same, there is always something new to learn and room to grow in your practice.

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Material sourced from 
PayScale [Surgical Technician; ]
CareerFAQs [Operating Theatre Technician in Australia;]
Rochester Community & Technical College [Surgical Technologist Qualities; ]
Oroville Hospital [OR Tech; ]
Indeed [OR Technician; Operating Theatre Assistant; Scrub Nurse; ]
SWSL HD NSW [OT Tech;]
Rasmussen University [Operating Room Jobs; What is a Surgical Technologist; ]
Cairn Technology [Operating Theatre Managers; ]
Care Rev [Scrub Nurses; ]
Australian College of Perioperative Nurses [Nursing Roles; ]
Australian College of Nursing [Day in Life of Perioperative Scrub Scout Nurse; ]
 Your Career [Operating Theatre Technician; ]