Taking care of the sick, injured, convalescent or disabled is what the Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse does. It is their job every day to assess, plan, intervene, implement and evaluate, under general supervision, and according to the established practices and philosophy, to provide a climate which optimizes patient care. LPN/LVN’s collaborate with other professionals to achieve desired patient outcomes through effective care and treatment. Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses need communication skills to interact with patients and family members while maintaining professional nursing standards. Travel assignments and jobs are available as the healthcare field continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists nursing as a top ten occupations with largest job growth. Travel nursing can allow you to see other areas you have always thought of visiting. Work in a great environment of your choice and enjoy visiting the area in your free time.

The OR General Surgery Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurses assist in general surgery procedures and handle a variety of tasks which may include handing the surgeon surgical tools and intervening if complications occur. LPN/LVNs care of patients before, during and after surgery.

Duties and Responsibilities of the OR General Surgery LPN/LVN

Duties of the surgical nurses begin well before the surgery or procedure. The LPN/LVN will meet with the patient and their family members to explain the procedure and expected recovery time and answer any questions they may have. The OR LPN/LVN is responsible for sterilizing and setting up the surgical tools, preparing the operating room and helping other members of the team put on their sterile gowns, gloves and masks. The LPN/LVN will also clean and prepare the incision site. After the operation, the LPN/LVN will bandage and stitch wounds and incisions and transport the patient to the recovery room. Patient will be monitored while awakening from the anesthesia. The LPN/LVN will continue to provide care until the patient is transferred to another unit or discharged from the facility.

LPN/LVN OR General Surgery nurses generally work in surgery centers, hospitals, clinics and private physicians offices. The work environment may be high pressure and require quick thinking and the ability to remain calm in a crisis. Surgical nurses work in a dynamic and challenging environment, taking on key roles in lifesaving surgical procedures and the surrounding care. Some surgeries last several hours and LPN/LVN could spend many hours on their feet. Duties vary depending on the LPN/LVN’s level of expertise. The job can be very rewarding but every time the nurse enters the OR there is a possibility of losing the patient. Compassion and tact is necessary when interacting with worried patients or grieving family members.

In addition to providing safe and comprehensive nursing care, responsibilities of the OR Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse would be to demonstrate understanding and utilization of universal precautions, asepsis and infection control procedures, monitor and operate equipment, assess and educate the patient and family members as required and attend rounds. The LPN/LVN must be well versed in a large variety of health conditions due to the broad range of medical conditions they may encounter