Reflective Surgical Paper Program Outcome – Professional Identity
This project or assignment will assist the student to evolve as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility and ethics while caring for patient’s family and community. This competency will fulfill the student’s apprenticeships of knowledge/practice/ethical components for the graduate outcome of Professional identity. QSEN 3A. TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION: The student will function effectively within the inter-professional teams, fostering open communication, mutual respect, shared decision-making to achieve quality patient care.
Assignment Directions 1. Describe the role of each member of the Surgical Team 2. Identify key responsibilities specific to each role within the Surgical Team 3. Analyze adherence to the principles of aseptic techniques 4. Indicate which surgical procedure you observed and the primary challenges for the scrub person and circulating nurse related to this procedure 5. Describe the activities that occurred to create the sterile field 6. Discuss how aseptic technique principles are applied to nursing activities outside the perioperative environment 7. Discuss the importance of maintaining aseptic technique in the Surgical area 8. Using your surgical procedure, identify the key responsibilities of the per, intra and postoperative nurse Note – When a live surgical experience is not available the students should access the website: http://www.ORLive.com to complete the assignment.
SOLUTION – Reflective Surgical Paper Program Outcome – Professional Identity
Reflective Surgical Paper: Program Outcome – Professional Identity
1. Role of Each Member of the Surgical Team:
- Surgeon: The surgeon leads the surgical team and is responsible for performing the surgical procedure with precision and skill. They make critical decisions during the operation and communicate with other team members regarding the patient’s condition and progress.
- Anesthesiologist/CRNA: The anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) administers anesthesia to the patient, monitors vital signs, and ensures the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
- Scrub Nurse/Scrub Technologist: The scrub nurse or scrub technologist works directly with the surgeon, passing instruments and supplies during the surgery. They maintain the sterile field, anticipate the surgeon’s needs, and assist with surgical procedures.
- Circulating Nurse: The circulating nurse coordinates the activities of the operating room (OR), manages the OR environment, ensures proper documentation, and serves as a patient advocate. They monitor for aseptic technique adherence and handle non-sterile tasks during the procedure.
- Surgical Assistant: The surgical assistant assists the surgeon during the operation by providing exposure, suturing, and other tasks as directed. They may also help with positioning the patient and preparing the surgical site.
2. Key Responsibilities Specific to Each Role within the Surgical Team:
- Surgeon: Perform the surgery, make critical decisions, communicate with team members.
- Anesthesiologist/CRNA: Administer anesthesia, monitor vital signs, ensure patient safety.
- Scrub Nurse/Scrub Technologist: Maintain sterile field, pass instruments, anticipate surgeon’s needs.
- Circulating Nurse: Coordinate OR activities, ensure documentation, monitor aseptic technique adherence.
- Surgical Assistant: Assist surgeon during operation, provide exposure and suturing.
3. Adherence to Principles of Aseptic Techniques:
- All members of the surgical team must adhere strictly to aseptic techniques to prevent surgical site infections and maintain patient safety.
- This includes proper hand hygiene, sterile gowning and gloving, using sterile instruments and supplies, and maintaining a sterile field throughout the procedure.
4. Surgical Procedure Observed and Primary Challenges for Scrub Person and Circulating Nurse:
- Surgical Procedure: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Primary Challenges:
- Scrub Person: Ensuring all instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and maintaining the integrity of the sterile field during the minimally invasive procedure.
- Circulating Nurse: Ensuring proper documentation of equipment used, managing the flow of personnel in and out of the OR, and monitoring for any breaches in aseptic technique.
5. Activities to Create the Sterile Field:
- Preparing the OR by cleaning surfaces and ensuring proper ventilation.
- Donning sterile gowns and gloves.
- Setting up sterile drapes and equipment within the designated sterile field.
- Using sterile technique when handling instruments and supplies.
6. Application of Aseptic Technique Principles to Nursing Activities Outside the Perioperative Environment:
- Aseptic technique principles are applied in various nursing activities such as wound care, urinary catheter insertion, and central line maintenance to prevent infections and promote patient safety.
- Nurses adhere to hand hygiene practices, use of sterile gloves, and proper disinfection procedures to minimize the risk of contamination.
7. Importance of Maintaining Aseptic Technique in the Surgical Area:
- Maintaining aseptic technique is crucial to prevent surgical site infections, which can lead to complications, prolonged hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs.
- Adhering to aseptic techniques ensures patient safety and promotes optimal surgical outcomes.
8. Key Responsibilities of Perioperative Nurses:
- Preoperative Nurse: Assess patient, verify consent, prepare patient for surgery.
- Intraoperative Nurse: Assist with positioning, monitor patient’s vital signs, assist with anesthesia induction.
- Postoperative Nurse: Monitor patient’s recovery, assess for complications, provide pain management, and facilitate discharge planning.
In conclusion, the roles and responsibilities of each member of the surgical team are integral to ensuring safe and effective patient care. Adherence to aseptic techniques is paramount in preventing surgical site infections and promoting positive patient outcomes. Nurses play a critical role in maintaining a sterile environment and advocating for patient safety throughout the perioperative process.