My Journey to Becoming a Scrub Nurse: What It’s Really Like Behind the Scenes
I still remember the first time I stepped into the operating room as a student nurse. My heart was racing. The air was cold, the lights were bright, and everyone moved with such focus and calm that it almost felt like I had walked into a world completely different from the rest of the hospital. It was the day I knew I wanted to become a scrub nurse.
At first, I didn’t really understand what a scrub nurse actually did. I used to think they just stood beside the surgeon, handing tools back and forth. But after working in the OR for a while, I realized how much more there was to the role. In fact, scrub nurses are the silent force keeping everything in the operating room running smoothly. We’re not just assisting the surgeon—we’re protecting the patient, ensuring safety, and making sure nothing goes wrong.
What Is a Scrub Nurse?
A scrub nurse (also called a perioperative nurse) is a registered nurse trained to assist in surgeries by working inside the sterile field. That means we handle sterile instruments, work closely with the surgeon, and help maintain strict infection control. It might not sound glamorous, but it’s honestly one of the most rewarding roles I’ve had in my career.
I still remember my mentor saying, “You’re the hands the surgeon trusts.” And that stuck with me. As a scrub nurse, you become part of a highly synchronized team. You anticipate what’s needed before it’s said. You think five steps ahead. You protect that sterile field like it’s your own life.
The First Time I Truly Felt Like a Scrub Nurse
It was during a cholecystectomy—a gallbladder removal surgery. I had rehearsed instrument names, hand positions, and sterility protocols over and over again. The surgeon asked for a Metz (Metzenbaum scissors), and I passed it calmly. But then, he asked for an instrument I hadn’t practiced much with. My hands froze.
But then I remembered: stay calm, breathe, think.
I reached for the right tool, passed it smoothly, and he continued the procedure without pause. That moment made me feel like I belonged. I was finally becoming a real scrub nurse.
Why Scrub Nurses Matter So Much
In the OR, timing and accuracy are everything. There’s no room for guesswork. A surgeon might request an instrument mid-sentence, or need a suture as soon as the incision is closed. That’s where we come in.
We prepare everything before the first incision is made. We ensure the instruments are sterile, the patient is in position, and the count of all tools and sponges is correct. During surgery, we hand instruments, monitor sterility, and support the surgical team. After the surgery, we help with the surgical count again and make sure everything is accounted for—because even one missing sponge can lead to serious complications.
And yes, we do all of this while staying calm and focused, even during emergencies.
My Top 5 Responsibilities as a Scrub Nurse
Let me break down some of the key things I do as a scrub nurse during every surgery:
- Maintaining Sterility in the Operating Room
Sterility is everything. I’m constantly checking the field, making sure no one breaks sterile technique. If something is contaminated, we replace it immediately.
- Preparing the Patient for Surgery
Before the first incision, I help position the patient properly and ensure everything is ready. It may look like a small task, but even one wrong angle can lead to complications.
- Passing Instruments
This is what people usually notice. It’s like a dance—I watch the surgeon closely and hand over the right tools at the right moment. Anticipation is key.
- Surgical Counts
I do multiple counts of instruments and sponges—before, during, and after the surgery. Every single item must be accounted for.
- Handling Specimens
Sometimes we collect tissue samples that need to be sent to pathology. I make sure these specimens are properly labeled and safely handled.
Tips for Student Nurses Who Want to Be Scrub Nurses
If you’re reading this and thinking, “I want to become a scrub nurse too,” here are a few things I’ve learned:
- Stay calm under pressure.
There will be times when things get tense. Emergencies happen. But being the calm in the storm makes all the difference.
- Learn your instruments.
The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. It’s not just about passing tools—it’s about knowing when, how, and why to use them.
- Practice communication.
Even though scrub nurses don’t do a lot of talking during surgery, we must communicate clearly and effectively when needed.
- Ask questions.
Don’t be afraid to ask senior nurses for help. I’ve learned more from five minutes of asking a question than from hours of reading.
- Never stop learning.
There are always new tools, techniques, and protocols. Stay curious and stay updated.
What’s Next If You Want to Become a Scrub Nurse?
First, you’ll need to finish your nursing degree and become a registered nurse (RN). Then, you’ll want to take perioperative nursing training or get experience in the OR. Some hospitals offer on-the-job training or perioperative internships for new grads.
And once you’re in, the real learning begins. Every surgery, every surgeon, every team teaches you something new.
Being a scrub nurse isn’t easy—but it’s worth it.
I’ve found so much meaning in what I do. Yes, it’s physically and emotionally demanding. But the satisfaction of knowing you helped someone through a critical moment in their life? It’s priceless.
Final Thoughts: The Heart of a Scrub Nurse
We don’t always get the recognition. Most patients don’t remember us. But that’s okay. Because we know what we do matters. We’re there from the moment a patient is prepped until they’re wheeled to recovery. We notice the little things, fix the silent mistakes, and guard the sterile field like it’s sacred.
To every aspiring scrub nurse out there: you’ve chosen a beautiful path. It’s not easy, but it’s worth every second.
And to those who already walk this path with me—thank you for showing up with quiet strength every single day.
Resources from my Blog
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.
We’d love to stay in touch and keep you updated with the latest insights and resources!
Join our Email List Today!
- 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!
