Operation Theatre Nurse

Department:

1. Job Summary

The OT Nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care to surgical patients before, during, and after procedures, ensuring adherence to infection control and NABH standards and maintaining a safe and efficient OT environment.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Pre-operative Responsibilities

• Verify patient identity, consent, investigation reports, and surgical site.
  
• Prepare OT room as per the surgery list.
  
• Check and ensure availability of instruments, equipment, sutures, implants, and consumables.
  
• Maintain sterility and follow infection control protocols.
  
• Assist anesthesia team with pre-operative preparation.
  
• Conduct sponge, instrument, and sharp counts before surgery.
  

B. Intra-operative Responsibilities

• Prepare and assist the surgeon during the procedure.
  
• Maintain sterile field and ensure proper handling of instruments.
  
• Operate OT equipment such as cautery, suction, anesthesia machines, endoscopic units, etc.
  
• Monitor patient vitals (as required) and assist anesthetist.
  
• Document intra-operative events and maintain OT records.
  
• Perform instrument, sponge, and sharp counts before wound closure.
  
• Maintain safe surgical environment and follow the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist.
  

C. Post-operative Responsibilities

• Transfer patient safely to recovery area/ICU with proper handover.
  
• Document postoperative details in OT notes and registers.
  
• Ensure cleaning, packing, and sterilization of instruments as per CSSD process.
  
• Dispose of biomedical waste as per BMW rules.
  

3. Administrative & Documentation Responsibilities

• Prepare daily OT schedules and maintain OT utilization records.
  
• Ensure availability of emergency instruments and drugs.
  
• Maintain stock of consumables and report shortages.
  
• Assist in equipment maintenance and calibration follow-up.
  
• Follow all NABH 5th Edition guidelines for OT practices.
  
• Report and document any incidents/near-miss events.
  

4. Infection Control & Safety

• Adhere to aseptic techniques and sterile protocols.
  
• Follow hand hygiene, PPE protocols, sterilization and disinfection guidelines.
  
• Ensure biomedical waste segregation as per color coding.
  
• Participate in fire safety, mock drills, and patient safety training.