Table of Contents
I still remember my very first day stepping into the operating room as a student nurse. The air felt chilly, the lights almost too bright, and everyone moved with calm precision. My heart was racing so fast I thought the whole team could hear it.
That was the moment I knew—I wanted to become a scrub nurse.
Discovering the Role
At first, I thought scrub nurses only handed tools to the surgeon. But after spending time in the OR, I learned it’s so much more. Scrub nurses are the quiet guardians of the operating room. We protect patients, keep the sterile field safe, and stay five steps ahead to make sure nothing goes wrong.
One mentor once told me: “You’re the hands the surgeon trusts.” That line has stayed with me ever since.
My First Real Experience
I’ll never forget the day during a gallbladder removal surgery.
- The surgeon asked for a Metzenbaum scissors—“Metz”—and I passed it smoothly.
- Then he asked for another instrument I wasn’t confident about. My hands froze for a second.
- I took a deep breath, stayed calm, and found the right tool.
That tiny moment taught me what it feels like to truly belong in the OR.
Why Scrub Nurses Matter
Inside the OR, timing and accuracy are everything. Behind the scenes, we:
- Set up the sterile field before surgery
- Prepare instruments and supplies
- Pass tools and anticipate the surgeon’s needs
- Watch for breaks in sterility
- Perform surgical counts so nothing is left inside the patient
It’s quiet work, but it keeps patients safe.
My Daily Responsibilities
Here’s what I do every day as a scrub nurse:
- Keep the sterile field safe – replace contaminated tools immediately.
- Prepare patients for surgery – position them carefully and check safety measures.
- Pass instruments – anticipate needs and hand them correctly.
- Perform surgical counts – sponges, needles, instruments, counted again and again.
- Handle specimens – label and send tissue samples safely to pathology.
Advice for Student Nurses
If you dream of becoming a scrub nurse:
- Stay calm under pressure
- Learn your instruments—it builds confidence
- Communicate clearly, even small updates matter
- Ask questions—you’ll learn faster
- Never stop learning—new tools and techniques appear all the time
Why I Love This Work
Being a scrub nurse is challenging, but it’s meaningful.
- You protect patients when they’re most vulnerable
- You help surgeons do their best work
- You keep surgeries safe behind the scenes
Patients may never know your name—but you’ll know you made a difference.
Final Thoughts
Most people won’t remember the scrub nurse in their surgery story. And that’s okay.
Because scrub nurses show up every day with quiet strength—protecting patients, catching silent mistakes, and making sure surgeries end safely.
To anyone dreaming of this path: it’s not always easy, but it’s worth every second. And to my fellow scrub nurses—thank you for what you do, even when no one sees.
Resources from my Blog
The Ultimate Guide to Surgical Instruments for Student Nurses.
Other Sources
Want official insights and training resources? Visit the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), a leading organization supporting scrub nurses worldwide.
SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL
If you want more real stories and tips from the OR, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and read more on my blog at KristelRN.
Let’s keep learning and growing together.
Join our Email List Today!
We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with the latest insights and resources!
- Stay informed with exclusive content and updates.
- Receive expert tips and valuable resources directly in your inbox.
- Be the first to know about new articles, events, and more!
Fill out the form to subscribe now and be part of our growing community!
Let’s keep the learning and excitement going!
