Perioperative Theory 2: The Nurse in the Scrub Role NSPO 7250

As a healthcare practitioner, you are expected to follow professional standards of practice throughout all SN programs and courses. In this course, you will have opportunities to use the processes of critical thinking, systematic inquiry, communication, collaboration, leadership, professionalism, and clinical decision-making. Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Use relevant current ORNAC Guidelines for Perioperative Practice to explain core activities in the scrub role: scrubbing, gowning, and gloving; setting up the sterile environment; counting; preparing for surgery; draping; anticipating during surgery; handling specimens; and dismantling the sterile environment.
• Explain essential components of aseptic technique associated with the preparation and maintenance of the sterile team and perioperative environment.
• Explain how scrub nurses apply surgical conscience to promote patient safety and healing.
• Identify risks and hazards associated with the perioperative environment and equipment for patients and team members.
• Describe scrub nurse activities that minimize risks and hazards and promote patient and team safety.
• Explain the potential emotional and physical impact of the perioperative environment on patients and team members.
• Describe effective communication techniques that promote effective perioperative team partnerships and collaboration.
• Critically analyze independent and collaborative activities of scrub nurses that facilitate effective and ethical patient care within the perioperative team.
• Explain how scrub nurses enact caring with patients.
• Explain how scrub nurses advocate for patients.
• Explain how scrub nurses use ways of knowing the individual (case, patient, and person) to care for patients.
• Communicate a plan for patient-centered care in the scrub role using reflective critical thinking skills and a clinical decision-making framework.
• Describe scrub nurse activities that facilitate effective multidisciplinary team function.

Effective as of Fall 2025