How to Become a Surgical Nurse
To become a surgical nurse, you must first become a registered nurse by earning a degree from a state-approved school of nursing and passing a licensing exam. You can become a registered nurse by earning a four-year bachelor’s of science degree, or a two-year associate’s degree from a community college, although requirements will vary from state to state. Additionally, to become more competitive, you can then obtain a voluntary certification in surgical nursing, which requires some working experience and passing an exam given by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses. A master’s degree with a specialization in surgical nursing is also an option to advance your career as you become more experienced.
Surgical Nurse Job Description and Duties
Surgical nurses provide care to patients before, during, and after surgery. This is called “perioperative” care. As a surgical nurse, you would prepare a patient for surgery, both physically and emotionally. This can include taking vitals, giving medication, and also explaining the procedure to the patient and helping them feel comfortable with it. During surgery, these nurses continue to check vitals and condition of the patient, and they assist the surgeons, giving them instruments they need and aiding with certain procedures. They’re often responsible for ensuring that the operating rooms are ready, sterile, and equipped with the necessary tools and medical equipment. Post-surgery care is equally important, as they again monitor vitals, give medications, perhaps change dressings, and keep an eye out overall for any complications in recovery.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to salary.com, the median surgical nurse salary as of February, 2009 is $72,783. This will of course vary based on region, hospital, and experience. Registered nurses are the largest group of healthcare workers in the healthcare industry, and about 56% of nurses work in hospital settings, such as the operating room. Healthcare is a fast-growing industry due to the growing aging population, and the impending shortages in healthcare workers means that there will be no shortage of stable, secure jobs for qualified nurses. Nursing in general is projected to see roughly 587,000 job openings before 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. This is the largest projected rate of growth of any other occupation. According to the Bureau of labor and Statistics, hospital nursing jobs are not growing quite as fast as other nursing positions, yet there are still large numbers of openings there due to higher turnover. Hospitals are increasingly offering more perks and flexible work schedules to attract and retain qualified nurses.
Below you will find a number of schools that offer accredited nursing programs for those that already have already have a nursing diploma or an associate's degree in nursing. Getting you BSN or MSN in addition to becoming certified as a surgical nurse can potentially make you more competitive than other candidates applying for surgical nursing positions. Explore the programs below or if you are new to the field of nursing and don't currently have an RN license, you may want to browse nursing programs by state. Here you will find all levels of nursing programs ranging form nursing assistant certificate programs to nursing to post-master's nursing certificates.
Accredited Nursing Programs for Surgical Nurses
University of Phoenix College of Health and Human Services
University of Phoenix nursing programs are designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of working registered nurses and are for those who want to pursue more advanced positions in today's challenging health care environment. Request free information from University of Phoenix to learn more.
Walden University School of Nursing
Walden University School of Nursing graduates have the knowledge and skills to be leaders in their profession. You may choose to specialize in Education, Informatics or Leadership & Management. Request free information from Walden University to learn more.
Jacksonville University School of Nursing
Request free information from Kaplan University School of Nursing to learn more about their online RN to BSN and Masters in Nursing Programs.
Kaplan University School of Nursing
Request free information from Kaplan University School of Nursing to learn more about their online RN to BSN and Masters in Nursing Programs.
Liberty University - Department of Nursing
Liberty University's Online MSN - Clinical Nurse Specialist Acute Care Track is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Graduates are prepared for national certification as a CNS and work as practitioners and/or educators. This program is enrolling now. Request information today!
Program Offered: MSN - Acute Care Track Online
- Click Here to request information from the Liberty University Online MSN Program
