Scrub Nurse vs. Circulating Nurse: What’s the Difference?
The operating room (OR) is a highly specialized environment where a skilled team of professionals works together to ensure procedures run smoothly. Among the key players are the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse, each playing a unique role in creating a well-coordinated surgical experience. If you’re a nurse wanting to work in the OR, understanding the differences between scrub nurse vs. circulating nurse roles can help you decide which career path suits you best.
This article breaks down the responsibilities of each role, the schooling you’ll need to get started, and the salaries you can earn, helping you decide which role is the best fit for you.
Scrub Nurse vs. Circulating Nurse: A Snapshot
Scrub Nurse vs. Circulating Nurse: Role Definitions
When you’re trying to decide between circulating nurse vs. scrub nurse career paths, it’s essential to understand what exactly you’ll be doing in these roles on a day-to-day basis. So, how do the roles of scrub nurses and circulating nurses differ? Essentially, the scrub nurse is directly involved in the surgery, handling sterilized instruments and assisting the surgeon directly, while a circulating nurse coordinates the overall environment of the operating room outside the sterile field.
Now, let’s delve into the specifics of scrub nurse and circulating nurse responsibilities to understand how each role contributes to a successful surgical procedure.
What Is a Circulating Nurse?
A circulating nurse is a registered nurse responsible for managing the OR environment and ensuring that all necessary resources are available for a successful surgical procedure. Unlike scrub nurses, circulating nurses are not involved in the surgical procedure itself, but work outside the sterile field coordinating the surgical teams and managing supplies throughout the procedure.
When comparing scrub nurse vs. circulating nurse job duties, these tasks are specific to circulating nurses:
- Ensuring the operating room is prepared for the procedure by checking all instruments, supplies, and equipment
- Coordinating communication between the surgical team and other departments like anesthesia, radiology, and laboratory
- Conducting safety checks and verifying the patient’s identity, surgical site, and procedure type before the incision to minimize the risk of errors
- Ensuring that the sterile field is maintained by monitoring the surgical team’s movements during the procedure
- Overseeing the counting of surgical instruments and sponges before, during, and after the procedure to prevent retained items in the patient
- Addressing any equipment malfunctions or issues that arise during the surgery
- Documenting specific details of the surgical procedure, including start and end times and medications administered
- Monitoring the surgical team’s needs during the procedure and replenishing supplies as needed without compromising the sterile field
- Updating post-op staff on the patient’s condition and any specific post-op care instructions
What Is a Scrub Nurse?
Unlike circulating nurses, the scrub nurse role involves working directly within the sterile field, providing essential support to the surgeon and the surgical team throughout the operation. This position requires a deep understanding of surgical instruments, aseptic techniques, and the specific needs of each surgical procedure.
Since you’ll be directly involved in surgeries, you’ll need to have an in-depth knowledge of various procedures, possible complications, and emergency protocols. Your daily responsibilities will include the following:
- Ensuring that all equipment within the sterile field is functioning properly and ready for use during the surgery
- Setting up and maintaining the sterile field
- Positioning the patient on the operating table according to the specific requirements of the surgery
- Handing instruments to the surgeon and anticipating the surgeon’s requirements throughout the procedure
- Observing the sterile field for contamination and addressing any breaches in aseptic technique
- Helping with the closure of incisions by providing appropriate instruments and materials to the surgeon
- Collecting and properly labeling any tissue or fluid specimens for pathological examination
- Assisting in cleaning, sterilizing, and properly storing surgical instruments after the procedure
How to Become a Scrub Nurse vs. Circulating Nurse
Both roles require a solid foundation in nursing, but they have some differences in their educational requirements. Let’s break down what it takes to follow each career path.
1. Get a Nursing Degree
Start by enrolling in a nursing program to earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ADN typically takes about two years to complete, while the BSN usually takes four. Both programs will provide you with essential knowledge and skills in patient care, anatomy, and pharmacology.
2. Get a Nursing License
After graduating, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure in your state, which may involve additional requirements such as background checks or proof of education. Having your nursing license is a critical step in launching your career as it allows you to work as an RN in clinical settings.
3. Gain Experience
If you’re aiming for a career as a scrub or circulating nurse, you’ll need a strong understanding of surgical procedures and a diverse set of clinical nursing skills. Think about starting in these acute care specialties that can help you build those skills:
As a circulating nurse, you’ll also need to know surgical procedures inside and out, since you’ll be the one coordinating them. For this reason, circulating nurses are often prior scrub nurses. You may need to gain some experience in the OR before stepping into this role.
4. Earn Certification
Certification helps you stand out as a leader in your field, equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. Here are some certifications that are useful in the OR setting:
- Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB)
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
- Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
If you want to take on administrative roles, you may want to explore the Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM) credential to boost your management skills in addition to OR skills.
Scrub Nurse vs. Circulating Nurse Salary
Typical circulating nurse pay and operating room nurse salaries in the United States are both around $87,000 a year. Your salary will vary depending on your experience, education, specific work setting, and geographic location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses working in outpatient care centers or specialty hospitals may earn more than those working in general hospitals.
If you want to boost your earnings, consider applying for jobs or taking travel nursing assignments in some of the highest-paying states for RNs:
FAQs: Scrub Nurse vs. Circulating Nurse
Can surgical nurses have a specialty area?
Yes, scrub nurses and circulating nurses can find employment in specialty clinics that focus on certain types of surgeries or patient populations. Here are a few examples of specialty areas for surgical nurses:
- Cardiothoracic surgery
- Gynecological surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric surgery
- Plastic surgery
- Urologic surgery
You can also explore opportunities in minimally invasive procedures, such as interventional radiology, cath lab, and endoscopy.
What is the demand for scrub and circulating nurses?
Overall employment for RNs, including scrub and circulating nurses, is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. With over 15 million surgical procedures performed in the U.S. each year, your chances to find employment are promising.
Who are the members of the surgical team?
In the operating room, a highly trained team works together to ensure every procedure goes smoothly. Here are some professionals you may work with:
- CRNAs
- Medical doctors
- OR nurses
- PACU nurses
- Physician assistants
- Pre-op nurses
- Surgical assistants
- Surgical techs
What are the most common surgical procedures?
Every day in the U.S., a wide range of surgical procedures are performed, from life-saving interventions to elective surgeries. Here are some common procedures performed across the country:
- Balloon angioplasty
- Cardiac catheterizations
- Cesarean section
- Coronary artery bypass graft
- Endoscopy of small or large intestine
- Hysterectomy
- Insertion of coronary artery stent
- Reduction of fracture
- Total hip or knee replacement
Upgrade Your Nursing Career With IntelyCare
Now that you’ve learned about the differences between a scrub nurse vs. circulating nurse, you’re ready for your next big step — the job hunt. Find out how IntelyCare can connect you with the latest nursing jobs that align with your unique talents and career goals.