The circulating nurse’s primary responsibility is to monitor and document the patient’s condition, ensure the surgical team adheres to protocols, and manage the overall environment in the operating room.
Ensuring the patient fully understands the procedure respects their autonomy and aligns with ethical nursing practices, which emphasize informed consent.
Stopping the procedure and initiating a surgical timeout ensures patient safety and adheres to protocols designed to prevent wrong-site surgeries, which are serious sentinel events.
Effective communication is essential for patient safety and a well-coordinated team. Nurses play a key role in fostering a collaborative and respectful environment.
Accurate documentation ensures a complete and detailed record of the patient’s care, which is vital for continuity of care, legal protection, and quality assurance.
