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