CAREER INFORMATION

The surgical setting is a physically and psychologically stressful environment. In considering the Perioperative Nurse Internship program as a nursing specialty, applicants should be aware of the following:

• Perioperative nurses are required to lift and move patients, heavy instruments, heavy and bulky equipment and supplies, and stand or sit in one place for long periods of time, often without relief.
  
  
• In emergency situations, a perioperative nurse may be required to move very quickly.
  
  
• Fine hand-eye coordination skills are needed in certain situations while gross hand-eye coordination skills are needed in others (i.e., threading small-eyed needles or handing large orthopedic drills to surgeons).
  
  
• Perioperative nurses are required to anticipate quickly and adequately the needs of the patient, physician, and other health workers.
  
  
• Perioperative nurses are required to develop and utilize interpersonal relationship skills and be able to function in highly stressful situations.
  
  
• Perioperative nurses may be subjected to various gases, chemicals, and radiation which may be harmful to them, their reproductive system and/or unborn fetus. In order to protect the student, a physician's release form must be obtained by the student indicating the student is able to fully participate in the surgical setting.
  
  
• The surgical setting is a high-risk area for contracting human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and hepatitis B (HBV). Students are taught protective and precautionary procedures which must be followed in the clinical setting.