What is the role of the circulating nurse during a surgical procedure?

The role of the circulating nurse during a surgical procedure is primarily focused on managing the environment and facilitating communication among the surgical team members. This includes ensuring that all necessary instruments and supplies are available, maintaining a sterile field, and liaising between the surgical team and other healthcare personnel. The circulating nurse is responsible for keeping track of pertinent information and updating the surgical team about the patient's status, as well as assisting in documenting the surgical event.

In contrast to this role, performing the surgery is the responsibility of the surgeon, while administering anesthesia falls under the duties of an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist. Monitoring the patient's vital signs is typically managed by anesthesia providers during the procedure. Each team member has a specific set of responsibilities, making effective communication and management by the circulating nurse vital to the overall success and safety of the surgical procedure.