Surgical Nursing

Surgical nursing is a specialized field encompassing nursing practices aimed at meeting patients’ health needs before, during, and after surgical interventions. This nursing discipline involves assessing the biopsychosocial needs of patients undergoing surgery, preparing them for the procedure, collaborating with the surgeon and operating room team during the operation, and continuing patient care during the postoperative period. Surgical nursing constitutes a distinct area of the nursing profession, providing a systematic care process centered on patient safety, comfort, and recovery.

Surgical nursing practices are typically carried out in three main phases: preoperative period (before surgery), intraoperative period (during surgery), and postoperative period (after surgery). Throughout this process, the surgical nurse evaluates the patient’s current health status, ensures physical and psychological preparedness, provides education, implements measures to prevent postoperative complications, and offers supportive care during recovery.

History and Development of Surgical Nursing

Surgical nursing is rooted in the systematic nursing practices initiated by Florence Nightingale, recognized as the founder of modern nursing, in the 19th century. Initially developed under wartime conditions, surgical nursing professionalized with the introduction of antiseptic techniques into medical practice and the advancement of surgical methods. In Türkiye, surgical nursing is taught as a separate course within undergraduate nursing programs. Postgraduate specialization and scientific research in this field are also increasing.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Surgical Nurse

Surgical nurses assume various roles throughout the surgical process. These roles are generally categorized as circulating nurse, scrub nurse (instrument nurse), preoperative nurse, postoperative nurse, and patient educator. Each of these roles involves responsibilities such as patient safety, sterilization, infection control, monitoring vital signs, communication with family members, documentation, and ensuring patient satisfaction.

During the preoperative phase, the surgical nurse prepares the patient for surgery, completes necessary medical documentation, provides physical care (e.g., shaving, bowel preparation), and assesses the patient’s psychological state. The nurse also aims to reduce anxiety by providing information about the procedure.

In the intraoperative phase, the scrub nurse assists the surgeon in the sterile field, while the circulating nurse operates in the non-sterile area, monitors the procedure, provides required materials, and ensures patient safety.

During the postoperative phase, the patient’s overall condition is monitored, pain is managed, complications are observed, wound care is performed, and discharge education is provided.

Nursing Process and Care Planning in Surgical Nursing

Surgical nursing practices are carried out systematically in accordance with the nursing process. This process includes the following stages:

1. Data Collection
2. Nursing Diagnosis
3. Planning
4. Implementation
5. Evaluation

Individualized care plans are developed by considering the surgical patient’s physiological findings (pain, fever, wound condition, level of consciousness) and psychosocial status. For example, interventions may include sterile dressing application to prevent postoperative infection, pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for pain management, or mobilization plans to prevent complications related to immobility.

Patient Satisfaction and Surgical Nursing

The level of patient satisfaction with nursing services is an indicator of both the quality of healthcare and the effectiveness of nursing care. Empathetic approaches, the extent of patient education, and continuity of care provided by surgical nurses significantly influence patient satisfaction. Additionally, nurses’ communication skills, attentiveness, and professional attitudes are direct determinants of patient satisfaction.

Research demonstrates that institutions with higher patient satisfaction report fewer postoperative complications, faster patient mobilization, and more successful discharge processes.

Education and Professional Development

Surgical nursing practices require the integration of clinical application with theoretical nursing education. In Türkiye, the surgical nursing course is mandatory in undergraduate nursing programs. Furthermore, nurses can pursue specialization in surgical nursing at the master’s and doctoral levels.

Continuing education, conferences, scientific meetings, and publications are essential for surgical nurses to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills. Adherence to clinical protocols, care standards, and evidence-based practices forms the foundational pillars of professional development for surgical nurses.

Ethical and Legal Responsibilities in Surgical Nursing

Surgical nursing is closely linked to respect for patient rights, adherence to confidentiality principles, informed consent, accurate documentation, and ethical decision-making processes. When dealing with high-risk procedures such as surgery, it is vital for nurses to apply professional ethical principles and understand their legal responsibilities.

In particular, preoperative patient education, postoperative pain management, and patient safety practices carry both ethical and legal obligations. Nurses are expected to avoid actions beyond their scope of practice and to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams.