OT SCRUB NURSE

Job Title: Staff Nurse / OT SCRUB NURSE – Operation Theatre (Orthopaedics) Department: Operation Theatre (OT) Reports To: OT INCHARGE Location: Orthopaedic OT / Modular OT Job Summary The Staff Nurse – OT (Orthopaedics) is responsible for providing safe, efficient, and high-quality perioperative nursing care to patients undergoing orthopaedic surgeries. This includes preparing the OT, assisting surgeons and anaesthetists during procedures, maintaining sterility, handling implants/instruments, and ensuring patient safety before, during, and after surgery. Key Responsibilities1. Pre-Operative Responsibilities Prepare OT for scheduled orthopaedic surgeries such as: Joint replacements (TKR / THR) Arthroscopy Spine surgeries Trauma / fracture fixation Ligament repairs Check OT schedule and case requirements. Ensure all required: Sterile instruments Orthopaedic implant sets Power tools / drills / saws C-arm availability Linen and consumables are ready before surgery. Verify patient identity, consent, site marking, and pre-op checklist. Ensure pre-op investigations are available. Assist in shifting and positioning patient safely on OT table. Check availability of blood products if needed. 2. Intra-Operative Responsibilities Maintain strict aseptic and infection control practices. Assist surgeon as: Scrub Nurse : Arrange sterile instruments and implants. Pass instruments during surgery. Maintain sterile field. Keep instrument and swab count. Circulating Nurse : Coordinate with CSSD / stores. Arrange additional instruments / implants. Document intra-op events. Assist anaesthesia team in: Monitoring patient vitals Positioning Emergency management Handle orthopaedic equipment: Tourniquets Power drills / saws C-arm assistance Suction machines Maintain sponge, needle, and instrument counts. Monitor for: Bleeding Break in sterility Equipment malfunction 3. Post-Operative Responsibilities Assist in shifting patient safely to recovery room / ICU / ward. Ensure handover includes: Procedure done Vitals Blood loss Implants used Medications administered Complete post-op documentation. Ensure OT cleaning and disinfection after each case. Send used instruments for sterilization. Restock OT supplies for next case. 4. Infection Control & Safety Follow NABH / hospital infection control protocols. Maintain biomedical waste segregation. Ensure OT sterility standards. Report needle stick injuries / OT incidents. Participate in OT audits and quality checks. 5. Documentation & Compliance Maintain: OT register Implant usage records Nursing notes Count sheets Incident reports Ensure accurate documentation for medico-legal compliance. 6. Emergency Preparedness Assist in: Emergency trauma surgeries Polytrauma cases Code blue situations Be familiar with: BLS / ACLS protocols Crash cart handling Required Qualifications B.Sc Nursing / GNM Nursing Valid Nursing Council Registration OT training / certification preferred Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred Experience 1–3 years in OT preferred Experience in Orthopaedic OT / Trauma OT highly preferred Skills Required Knowledge of OT sterile protocols Orthopaedic instrument handling Implant and consumables knowledge Team coordination Emergency response Good communication skills Attention to detail Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) OT preparedness and turnaround time Compliance with sterile protocols Zero surgical count errors Infection control compliance Accurate documentation Surgeon / patient satisfaction Behavioral Competencies Discipline and punctuality Calm under pressure Team player Patient-focused approach Accountability and responsibility