Is Being a Pre-Op Nurse Right for You?

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
A pre-op nurse reviews a pre-procedure checklist before surgery.

Imagine this: A patient is scheduled for surgery, and when they arrive for their pre-op appointment, they’re full of questions and a bit anxious. As a pre-op nurse, also known as a preoperative nurse, you’re the one who makes sure they’re fully prepared — physically and mentally — for the procedure.

You’ll review their medical history, address any lingering questions, and ensure they’re ready for what’s ahead. This role offers a dynamic work environment, a competitive salary, and a chance to make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives when they need it most.

Curious about how to enter pre-op nursing? This article dives into how to get started in this specialty, salary expectations, and career growth opportunities, helping you decide if this path is the right fit for you.

Pre-Op Nurse: Career Snapshot

  • Mission: Prepare patients for surgeries.
  • Responsibilities: Review medical history, educate patients about the surgical process, assess physical readiness, answer questions, and coordinate pre-op logistics.
  • Workplace settings: Hospitals, surgical centers, outpatient clinics, and specialty surgical practices.
  • Career path: Nursing degree, followed by optional certification in preoperative or perioperative nursing.
  • Length of study: Approximately 2 to 4 years.

What Is Pre-Op Nursing?

A pre-op nurse is a specialized registered nurse (RN) who focuses on the first phase of the surgical journey: the preoperative phase. This phase covers the period from the patient’s admission to the surgical center until the procedure begins. Unlike the operative and postoperative phases, the pre-op phase is all about getting patients ready for their procedure and ensuring a smooth transition into the operating room.

Curious about where you’ll be working in this role? You’ll have the opportunity to work in various settings where surgeries are performed, such as operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics, such as cancer surgery centers.

You can also work in specific surgical specialties. According to the American College of Surgeons, there are 14 surgical specialties, including:

You can also explore opportunities in minimally invasive procedures, such as:

What Do Pre-Op Nurses Do?

Wondering what a typical day at work looks like in this role? Here’s a list of key pre-op nurse duties:

  • Conduct head-to-toe assessments, including gathering detailed medical histories and evaluating the patient’s readiness for surgery.
  • Educate patients about the surgical procedure and explain what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
  • Provide information on preoperative preparation, such as dieting requirements, bathing, or hair removal.
  • Facilitate the signing of consent forms to comply with legal and ethical standards.
  • Arrange necessary diagnostic tests, including blood work, imaging studies, or EKGs.
  • Review test results to identify any potential issues that may impact surgery.
  • Check the patient’s medication list and advise on which medications to pause or continue.
  • Administer medications as ordered by the surgeon or anesthesiologist.
  • Ensure patients are dressed in surgical attire and have removed jewelry, piercings, or contact lenses.
  • Share relevant patient information with the surgical team, including any concerns or changes in the patient’s condition.
  • Ensure all preoperative paperwork is complete and organized for the surgical team.

Pre-Op Nurse Education: 4 Steps

Ready to get started? Let’s explore the key steps on your journey into this meaningful nursing specialty.

1. Get a Nursing Degree

Are you a nurse already? If not, then your journey starts by completing prerequisites to enroll in either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution. After completing your degree, you’ll gain foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, which is essential for any nursing role.

2. Obtain Licensure

The next step on your journey is to take the NCLEX-RN, a national certification exam that assesses your readiness to deliver safe patient care. Once you pass, you’ll submit your paperwork to your state board of nursing to get your RN license.

3. Gain Experience

To step confidently into this dynamic role, you need a solid foundation in basic nursing skills, along with some hands-on experience. Consider exploring these specialties to build a strong groundwork:

4. Attain Certification (Optional)

Want to stand out as a leader in nursing? Getting certified might be a great step for you. Here are some credentials that can help boost your career in the operating room:

  • 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)
  • Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN)

What Is Pre-Op Nurse Salary?

The typical preoperative nurse salary in the U.S. is about $85,000 per year. You could make more or less depending on your education, experience, work setting, and geographic location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses in specialized fields and outpatient centers may have higher earning potential than those employed at general hospitals.

If you’re looking to maximize your earnings, here are five states with some of the highest nurse salaries:

Frequently Asked Questions: Pre-Op Nursing

Preoperative vs. perioperative nursing: What’s the difference?

Surgical nursing care is divided into several key stages — preoperative, intraoperative (operating room), and postoperative care, collectively known as perioperative nursing.

  • The preoperative stage involves preparing the patient for surgery.
  • The intraoperative stage involves assisting surgeons and other members of the surgical team with the surgical procedure, such as maintaining a sterile environment and monitoring vital signs.
  • The postoperative stage involves providing post-procedure care, like assessing for complications and managing pain.

The term perioperative nursing encompasses all phases of surgical care from pre-op assessments to intra-op monitoring and post-op recovery support.

How long does it take to become a preoperative nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is to complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program, which takes about two years. However, you might need to acquire some general nursing experience (usually one or two years) before you can move into this specialty.

Who would I work with in this role?

Surgery is a team effort, so your job will include working with a diverse group of healthcare professionals:

What career growth opportunities are there in this specialty?

There are many ways you can advance your career both within and beyond direct patient care. Here are some options:

  • Nurse supervisor: Advance to leadership roles where you oversee pre-op units, manage nursing staff, and coordinate patient flow.
  • Clinical nurse educator: Train and mentor other nurses, ensuring staff stay current with best practices, new technologies, and protocols in preoperative care.
  • Nurse anesthetist (CRNA): Continue your education to become a CRNA, specializing in administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgery.
  • Nurse practitioner (NP): Obtain an advanced practice degree and become an NP, working closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists.
  • Nurse navigator: Guide patients through their surgical journey, from scheduling and pre-op preparation to follow-up care.
  • Healthcare administration: Move into administrative roles such as surgical services manager or even hospital administration.

What are some essential skills needed to excel in this nursing field?

You’ll need a mix of technical and soft skills to provide support to patients as they prepare for surgical procedures. Since many patients feel anxious before their procedures, it’s important to be compassionate and have strong therapeutic communication skills to help them feel at ease. On top of that, here are some other skills you’ll need:

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