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Surgical patients (those who have undergone a minor or major surgical procedure) are nursed on different wards to medical patients in the UK and Australia. Nursing practice on surgical wards differs from that of medical wards.

Surgical nurses may practice in different types of surgery:

• General surgery (e.g. appendicectomy, gallbladder removal)
• Vascular surgery (e.g. varicose vein surgery, aortic aneurysm repair)
• Colo-rectal surgery (e.g. stoma formation)
• Surgical Oncology (e.g. breast surgery, tumour resections)
• Orthopaedic surgery (e.g. knee or hip replacements, fracture repair)
• Urolological surgery (e.g. prostate surgery)
• Day surgery (or ambulatory surgery, where a patient is discharged within 24 hours)

Surgical nurses are responsible for approximately six patients, depending on the nature of the surgical ward. Intensive Care and High-Dependency units usually have one to two nurses per patient.

[edit] The Duties of a Surgical Nurse

Pre-operatively:

Preparation of patients for their procedure involves ensuring pre-medication is administered, the patient/guardian has given written consent, the required blood-tests have been done, identification labels and identification bracelets are correct, all allergies have been recorded in the patient's notes and that the patient has been fasted appropriately.

Post-Operatively:

Post-operatively the patient must be closely observed for signs of shock, arrest. The surgical nurse also ensures the wound created by the surgery is intact, and must be knowledgeable in wound care and the care of surgical drains. Surgical Nurses are responsible for the management of pain and post-operative nausea and vomiting, which are common post-operative side effects. The surgical nurse is also responsible for the discharge of the patient and giving the patient information on support systems and measures necessary to their recovery.

[edit] Surgical Nursing Credentials

To become a surgical nurse, one must have undertaken appropriate training, and be registered with the state nursing board (Nursing and Midwifery Council, UK; An Bord Altranais, Rep. of Ireland). In Australia, both Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses work in surgical wards. ^[1]

[edit] References

1. ^ Surgical Nursing 12th ed. (1997) Torrance & Serginson (Bailliere Tindall)