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Job outlook for perioperative nurses in the United States
Perioperative nurse job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected perioperative nurse job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 195,400 new jobs for perioperative nurses are projected over the next decade.
Perioperative nurse salaries have increased 10% for perioperative nurses in the last 5 years.
There are over 539,753 perioperative nurses currently employed in the United States.
There are 550,223 active perioperative nurse job openings in the US.
The average perioperative nurse salary is $74,223.
Are perioperative nurse jobs in demand?
Perioperative Nurse job and salary trends over time
Perioperative Nurse jobs over time
Perioperative Nurse job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 539,753 | 0.16% |
| 2020 | 528,944 | 0.16% |
| 2019 | 528,197 | 0.16% |
| 2018 | 522,827 | 0.16% |
| 2017 | 514,836 | 0.16% |
Average perioperative nurse salary over time
Perioperative Nurse salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,223 | $35.68 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $72,223 | $34.72 | +2.2% |
| 2023 | $70,676 | $33.98 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $68,972 | $33.16 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $67,444 | $32.43 | +1.4% |
Perioperative Nurse jobs by state
Most common states for perioperative nurses
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 807 | 93% |
| 2 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 1,207 | 90% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 523 | 84% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 783 | 81% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 5,420 | 79% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 536 | 77% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 565 | 76% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 567 | 75% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 774 | 74% |
| 10 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 969 | 73% |
| 11 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 13,249 | 63% |
| 12 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 1,151 | 63% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 367 | 63% |
| 14 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 1,288 | 62% |
| 15 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,423 | 60% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 3,327 | 59% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 2,042 | 57% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 1,724 | 57% |
| 19 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 4,629 | 55% |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 6,969 | 54% |
Most common cities for perioperative nurses
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Vernon | 2 | 6% | $90,839 |
| 2 | Lewiston | 1 | 3% | $74,072 |
| 3 | Boston | 12 | 2% | $88,849 |
| 4 | San Mateo | 2 | 2% | $116,236 |
| 5 | Covington | 1 | 2% | $78,378 |
| 6 | San Clemente | 1 | 2% | $112,306 |
| 7 | Dayton | 1 | 1% | $87,272 |
| 8 | Iowa City | 1 | 1% | $57,839 |
| 9 | Nashua | 1 | 1% | $75,794 |
| 10 | The Woodlands | 1 | 1% | $65,171 |
| 11 | Seattle | 3 | 0% | $91,702 |
| 12 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $65,553 |
| 13 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $79,707 |
| 14 | Las Vegas | 1 | 0% | $91,677 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $75,439 |
Perioperative Nurse job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of perioperative nurse experts
University of Wyoming
California State University - Dominguez Hills
Prairie View A & M University
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Mars Hill University
Elmhurst University
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
Cedar Crest College
OSF HealthCare
Missouri Baptist University
San Jose State University
Delaware State University
New Jersey City University
Elms College
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS
Associate Dean, Associate ProfessorUniversity of Wyoming
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Karen Gorton PhD, RN, FNP, MS: In nursing, the ability to think critically within the clinical context, communication, and assessment skills will continue to be very important. You, as the nurse, are with the patient for more hours than any other provider. Your ability to look at the patient combined with your assessment, their current issues, their lab values, and clinical presentation will be the difference in their outcome. Once you put your pieces together, your ability to clearly communicate your findings with the providers will advocate for the patient and their care.
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN
Assistant ProfessorCalifornia State University - Dominguez Hills
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: It seems we are in a phase in healthcare where the use of technology is growing at a rapid pace. Having an open mind to accept and continue to build skills using new technologies will continue to be important factors for the future of nursing practice.
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: My advice to Registered Nurses entering the workforce is to be open to opportunities that may not be their first choice. This can mean a nursing position in a department or a shift they may not have considered but may lead to future opportunities for a more desirable shift, or an opportunity in their preferred specialty.
What will help Perioperative Nurses increase their earning potential?
Cathy Andrade DNP, MSN, RN: Nurses who have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree often find there are more opportunities for employment for positions with higher salaries. An example of this is the Magnet designation for hospitals, which requires that at least 80% of their nursing positions be filled by BSN prepared RNs. These positions generally offer higher salaries than positions in sub-acute care settings and in home health.
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE
Associate Clinical Professor, Associate Dean for Baccalaureate ProgramsWhat general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Wendy Bowles PhD, APRN-CNP, CNE: To maximize your salary potential you should consider going back to school and pursuing your doctorate degree from a high quality, reputable institution. There are many programs that offer BSN to doctorate pathways and that will enhance earnings potential.
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: Daily, nurses with the health care team to manage and coordinate patient care which include physical assessments-assessing, observing, and evaluating the patient's response to care, administering medication and treatments, assisting with procedures, and providing health education to patients and their families. Additionally, nurses often supervise other unlicensed health care team members including licensed vocational nurses, patient care technicians (PCTs) and nursing students.
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: The health care system is experiencing a shortage of health care providers including nurses. Between 2020 and 2030 the need for RNs is expected to grow by 9% yearly, making the profession on of the fastest growing in the health care sector. Nurses and the care they provide will always be in demand, whether you are employed in a hospital environment or other health care setting. Furthermore, the skills that you learn as a nurse are transferrable. Nurses not only work in hospitals, but they also work in variety of settings such as health educators in business, health insurance case managers, they work in STEM industries as computer software developers, in law offices, in the travel industries on cruise lines, school settings and are business owners.
What will help Perioperative Nurses increase their earning potential?
Allyssa Harris RN, PhD, WHNP-BC: I can't speak for everyone but what I like about being a nurse is the ability to connect one on one with the patient and their family. Patients allow us the privilege of providing care and comfort during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. It is the connection that we share that is the most rewarding. I believe that is this care and education that provides patients with the opportunity to make knowledgeable decisions about their health and well-being. What is most challenging about nursing is the increasing complexity of the patient care provide. Often patients enter the health care system later, having delayed care variety or reasons including lack of access, socio-economic challenges, unawareness, etc. This often increases the complexity of the care needed and nurses are required to have a broad knowledge of many things. I wouldn't say that they dislike the nursing profession, but the work is challenging.
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nursing is a good profession to enter for several reasons. It is a very demanding, yet very fulfilling career. Nurses get to have a direct impact on patient health outcomes. The demand for nurses is exceedingly high now. Our students are securing employment one or even two semesters before they graduate from the nursing program. Nursing is also a career path which is available everywhere so no matter where you go, you can have a job in nursing. There are diverse career opportunities in nursing, so jobs are available no matter a person's interests. Working as a nurse offers a lot of flexibility so nurses can work nights, full-time, part-time, or per diem. The high demand for nurses is driving competitive compensation and benefits packages. Many hospitals will assist students in paying off student loans in return for a work agreement. Finally, there is always room for professional growth. Continuing education opportunities abound and there is always the option to pursue an advanced degree or other specialized training.
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: Nurses spend their days or nights assisting clients and their loved ones on their healthcare journeys. They possess a variety of tools and knowledge in which to do this. They assess and monitor patients, which is often a very dynamic process. They are trained to provide emergency response treatment. They administer medications and perform various aspects of patient care. They provide education to patients and loved ones and advocate for patients' rights and needs. Nurses maintained detailed documentation on all information pertaining to patients. They also work closely as a member of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. Finally, they also maintain their own professional development as changes in healthcare are frequent and/or they are interested in pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Nurses work tirelessly to promote positive patient outcomes
What will help Perioperative Nurses increase their earning potential?
Alison Alaimo MSN, RN: I think the biggest thing people like about nursing is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others which is highly rewarding. Job stability in the field as well as variety and flexibility are also viewed as favorable. Nurses can also have a high degree of autonomy in their practice allowing them to make clinical decisions. Finally, there are always opportunities for leadership advancement and a large variety of advanced education that can be obtained in the field. Some of the things people dislike about being a nurse are the high workloads and emotional stress that often come with the job. There is also often a lack of recognition and support for nurses. The tasks of nursing can also be physically demanding, and nurses must be careful not to accidentally injury themselves on the job. Administrative burdens such as documenting can reduce the amount of time a nurse can spend on direct patient care and may cause frustration for some nurses. Overall though, I think the positive aspects of being a nurse far outweigh the negative ones.
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE
Nursing Department ChairMetropolitan State University of Denver
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Obtaining a minimum of a baccalaureate degree in nursing is the first step in advancing your salary potential if you decide on a career path of advanced practice or further graduate education.
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Some of the most important skills to hone over the next three years is communication, time management, and self-care.
Communication is important because nursing is a team sport. If you need help, ask early. If you see a change in your patient that worries you, ask someone to weigh in. Communicate clearly with other nursing colleagues.
Time management is an important skill to learn but takes practice. Time management is a combination of knowing how long tasks should take and what happens when priorities shift.
Self-care is needed to learn to balance your time away from work with time on the job to keep you whole in mind, body, and spirit.
What will help Perioperative Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Theresa Buxton PhD, RN, CNE: Nursing students who graduate from their program and then pass their NCLEX licensing exam are beginning their professional career. It takes time to gain experience. After you’re employed make connections with the nursing staff who work with you. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions or double check your math if you are giving a medication different than what’s ordered or available.
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC
Undergraduate Program Director, Professor of PracticeWhat Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: In today's world, nurses must be well-versed in technology as we have seen a rise in telehealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilization of technology will also play a crucial role in effective communication that is easy to understand, succinct, and culturally appropriate when providing healthcare services and education. However, we must remember that we cannot rely solely on technology but remain focused on the human side of caring as nurses. Other pertinent skills that will become important would be empathy, conflict resolution, and adaptability in healthcare, as it is constantly changing. Having these skills can save a client's life.
What will help Perioperative Nurses increase their earning potential?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is to seize every opportunity that comes your way. Get involved in committee work, volunteer your time, and mentor those who are following in your footsteps. Don't limit your education to just a BSN or MSN degree; strive to obtain the highest degree possible. Lastly, join nursing organizations that align with your passions, and stay up-to-date with policy changes both locally and on a federal level. Remember, every policy impacts healthcare and nursing in many ways. Don't be afraid; we are the most trusted profession for a reason!
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Dr. Karen Macey-Stewart DNP, A-GNP-C, PMGT-BC: As a new graduate student, it can be overwhelming to start your professional career. My first piece of advice is to be kind to yourself. It takes time to master all the clinical skills and judgment you learned in school. Secondly, give yourself some grace when facing challenges in understanding why a client or healthcare team member is difficult. Remember that you will be caring for people during the most vulnerable times of their lives. Finally, prioritize self-care by taking the time to recharge. Providing the best care for your clients is essential, and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. I always tell the students," Always remember to put your oxygen mask on first before helping others."
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I encourage new graduate nurses to embrace their first role and lean into the opportunity they have to ask questions, ask for more time on certain skills or patients, and make connections with their RN colleagues to develop mentorship relationships. I also recommend that new graduate nurses create a community both within their clinical setting with fellow new grads, experienced nurses/mentors, and other healthcare team members, as well as at home create that same community to support them. The first few years of a new nurses career lays the foundation for the rest of their career, so it's important to give yourself grace as you learn & build your confidence. A final piece of advice is to prioritize your mental health and well-being. You can't take care of others if you neglect yourself so find ways to balance your needs with the demands of your job, family and other responsibilities. This will be so important throughout your entire career, not just at the beginning.
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: When you are first starting as a nurse, it will be important to find a role that fits best for you. This could be in terms of the facility, unit, leadership, etc. To increase your salary potential as a nurse, you can focus on earning specialty certification for your area of specialization. An example of this would be an emergency room nurse earning their Certified Emergency Nurse (CNE) or an ICU nurse earning their Critical Care Certified Nurse (CCRN). In order to take these specialty exams, you usually need 2+ years of bedside practice. I recommend taking those first two years of your career to focus on gaining confidence in the RN role. Additionally, nurses can also look at furthering their education, through earning a graduate degree in nursing, which opens up opportunities including education and leadership roles. Many MSN-prepared nurses also work bedside.
What will help Perioperative Nurses increase their earning potential?
Natalie Heywood DNP, RN, CNE: I think one of the most important and prevalent skills that will be prevalent in the next 3-5 years in nursing is the ability to communicate with patients in a therapeutic manner that supports trust and mutual respect. Additionally, a skill that will be vital to current and future nurses is the ability to provide individualized care. Our patient populations are increasingly complex and unique, and it will be important for health providers to care for all individuals based on their needs and where they are at the moment. Lastly, as we see the increase of technology and AI use in healthcare, we need to be technology proficient and confident, as well as flexible in the use of these tools to improve patient care.
Clare Chambers
Assistant Professor of NursingMars Hill University
Nursing Department
What skills stand out on Perioperative Nurse resumes?
Clare Chambers: Skills that typically stand out on RN resumes include special certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN). Managers also tend to pay attention to applicants who have volunteer experience or are members of nursing organizations within their educational programs or nationally. Other useful skills include any previous electronic medical record experience or working at the bedside previously as a certified nurse assistant if the nurse is newly licensed.
What soft skills should all Perioperative Nurses possess?
Clare Chambers: Soft skills are a critical part of any healthcare profession. The key skills for nurses specifically are leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork, intrinsic motivation, effective communication, excellent work ethic, and having a positive attitude. Emotional intelligence and empathy are also gaining more recognition as critical to long-term career success and effective patient care.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Perioperative Nurses?
Clare Chambers: Technical skills are critical for safe and effective nursing care. Some essential skills include the ability to safely start an IV, give oral medications, administer subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, take vital signs, do a thorough head-to-toe assessment, chart effectively, and utilize emergency safety equipment. Hard skills, in addition to foundational skills required for every nursing job, are going to be tailored to the specific specialty chosen by each nurse and that area of practice.
What skills will help Perioperative Nurses earn the most?
Clare Chambers: There is a national nursing shortage. This has increased due to older nurses reaching retirement age along with the ongoing pandemic. Certain specialty certifications may increase a nurse's salary. Typically salaries are driven by years of experience, the geographical location, and any specific salary structures or scales that are implemented by the hospital system itself. Nurses who are newly hired are often able to secure sign-on bonuses, moving stipends, and increased hourly pay if they have previous experience in the specialty area in which they are applying. I would encourage any new nurses to reach out to experienced nurses in their community and do some research on what base pay rate they should expect, and meet with human resources to discuss benefits, especially continuing education, before signing any contracts.
Diane Salvador Ph.D.
Executive Director and ProfessorElmhurst University
Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Perioperative Nurse resumes?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: I believe organizations are looking for nurses who can articulate in their cover letter what made their education experience unique - specific nursing electives, possible travel abroad that would translate into cultural competence or portfolios that list specific course accomplishments if available.
What soft skills should all Perioperative Nurses possess?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: The most important skill for new nursing graduates is critical thinking. You will be put into varying roles and assume different responsibilities. You must critically think and evaluate situations you find yourself in and make wise nursing decisions. Another important skill that we emphasize in education is communication - this is key to safe, quality care.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Perioperative Nurses?
Diane Salvador Ph.D.: New nurses should be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing care and procedures. It is important to realize that each hospital has its own policy and procedure to follow, so taking advantage of your nurse preceptor and orientation program will ensure you are familiar with these basic procedures.
What soft skills should all Perioperative Nurses possess?
Kim Raines: Graduates have been confronted with harsh realities. They have had considerable remote learning which may have made them wiser to the value of being in person compared to a recording or reading and learning independently. Of course, there is a place for both. Some graduates have been even more personally affected by the pandemic. They may have suffered through the grim and enduring loss of hospitalized loved ones, many of whom were completely isolated. Graduates need to understand fully; the power of human touch, and the how and why superb communication - however limited it may be - is a lifeline for patients and families. Teamwork, flexibility and interpersonal skills take on a new meaning in the pandemic healthcare world. New graduates will need to focus on deliberate practices for staying well themselves (physically and emotionally) but also be extraordinarily conscious of ways to support their co-workers in real time and perhaps off the job as well.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Perioperative Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Kim Raines: There are a couple of angles to this. Certainly, there is an increasing burnout rate developing among various healthcare professionals. A survey conducted in December of 2020, by www.businesswire.com, a division of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and a provider of professional liability insurance for medical professionals speaks to this. In the survey, "Nearly half (48%) have considered either retiring, quitting their jobs, or changing their careers altogether, while the same number say that their mental health has deteriorated." This has incredible implications going forward.
Telehealth is here to stay. Patients and providers alike have found distinct advantages to telemedicine and a way to meet the needs of more individuals. Mental health is an excellent example of a rapidly growing area of telemedicine. Insurance companies, representing patients or providers will need to be creative in accommodating the need while ensuring quality in this exploding environment.
What's a day at work look like for a Perioperative Nurse?
Kim Raines: The impact of COVID-19 on healthcare will be long-lasting. Staffing concerns and the direct impact on the education and preparation of our graduates to name just two things leads to the need for greater flexibility from student and preceptor. Preceptors may need to allow more time for orientation and graduates will need to maximize opportunities provided by stressed preceptors. The landscape of healthcare is evolving rapidly. New units have been created and nurses are caring for changing populations. Graduates will need to be able to accommodate under new stresses. Prayerfully, each team member can find the inner strength and commitment required to live well, work well and support one another for sustaining an especially resilient workforce well into the future.
Wendy Robb Ph.D.
Dean & Professor, School of Nursing, Hazel and Walter May Nursing Endowed Chair for Excellence in NursingCedar Crest College
School of Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Wendy Robb Ph.D.: I encourage all new nurses to embrace learning and be patient with yourself. Moving from the role of expert student nurse to novice graduate nurse and registered nurse is a complex process that will challenge new nurses. Stay curious and open to new learnings. This period of transition requires patience, and grace to allow new nurses to grow and develop expertise. It won't come immediately. Prioritize your health and mental wellness by making yourself a priority. Taking care of others requires you to be at your best. Find activities that refresh and recharge your energy. Nursing is a team sport so seek to build relationships with your colleagues that foster your success and will be an invaluable source of support and knowledge. Seek mentorship from experienced nurses who can guide you as you navigate your career. Remember that every patient and family encounter is an opportunity to learn and grow. Stay humble and acknowledge your willingness to grow. Take pride in the little successes, as well as the big ones!
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Wendy Robb Ph.D.: Over the next 3 to 5 years, nurses will require complex skills related to technology integration in healthcare. This will be in the form of electronic health records and platforms for telehealth. As the landscape of healthcare continues to change at a rapid pace, adaptability and resilience will be essential to nurses' success. The nursing profession must commit to addressing cultural competence, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and social determinants of health to provide equitable care to an increasingly diverse population.
What will help Perioperative Nurses increase their earning potential?
Wendy Robb Ph.D.: To maximize your earning potential as a nurse entering the field, pursue certifications in specialty areas that increase marketability. Large hospital networks in urban areas often have higher pay scales and working nights, holidays, and weekends will often result in differential pay that will boost earnings. Negotiating your salary based on qualifications and market research can also maximize earnings. Never stop learning! Continually seek the next opportunity for growth. Don't be stagnant, advance your education with a new degree and seek niche positions that fulfill you.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Perioperative Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Lori Wiegand: Like many health care providers, OSF HealthCare has been dealing with challenges created due to the COVID-19 pandemic, whether through hiring new or supporting existing staff. This begins with our two colleges of nursing, where we train new nurses who will be providing bedside care to our patients and those looking for advanced degrees. We have had to adjust and adapt our classes, moving portions online. While challenging, this has helped our students learn new skills that will benefit them as bedside nurses when focusing on what the patient needs and how to provide the best care. They have embraced the challenge.
One of the programs we have to help nursing students is our Nursing Pathway to Professional program. The goal of this program is to provide unique opportunities for nursing students and new graduates. We offer five tracts that allow nursing students and new graduates the opportunity to build on their knowledge, skills, and confidence in providing patient care while considering the progression of their education as they move along the continuum from novice to expert nurse. OSF HealthCare is committed to our students, and all of the nurses we employ as Mission Partners in their learning journey.
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Lori Wiegand: As a 14-hospital Ministry, our greatest hiring need is nurses in a range of roles. In a typical year, the first year as a nurse can be challenging, making the classroom transition to bedside nurse. COVID-19 has only increased that pressure as we deal with ever-changing regulations and guidance, fears for the health and safety of our Mission Partners, and staffing challenges created when someone or a member of their family gets sick. To help ease the transition, OSF HealthCare has created the First Year as an OSF Nurse program developed for launch in January. All new graduates and new-hire RNs will be required to participate in this program, specifically designed to support them throughout their first year with OSF HealthCare. A broad range of aspects will be incorporated as new hires work with established nurses in this mentorship program.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Perioperative Nurses?
Lori Wiegand: OSF HealthCare believes this Transition to Practice program will build a strong foundation for nursing, with best-practice guidelines that support quality care for our patients. We expect the successful implementation of this program will improve nurses' retention and positively impact our workforce commitment and patient experience.
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE
Assistant ProfessorMissouri Baptist University
School of Nursing
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Perioperative Nurses?
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE: Yes, there will be an enduring impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on graduates. We have already seen that our students have reported abbreviated or virtual orientations. The first year of nursing has historically been a time when we see the burnout of young nurses. However, the stressors have tremendously increased due to the pandemic and strain that it has placed on the healthcare system. Graduates report increased patient loads and a lack of adequate support services to aid in orientation to the competent nurse role. Despite these challenges, our graduates have shown extreme resiliency and perseverance even in these tough times.
What type of skills will young Perioperative Nurses need?
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE: In addition to critical thinking and clinical judgment skills, students should also have resiliency and emotional intelligence skills.
What experience really stands out on Perioperative Nurse resumes?
Ashley Bell MSN, RN, OCN, CNE: Experiences that stand out on resumes include internships and externships, where students can operate in a capacity similar to the registered nurse role under the direction of an RN. Also, working as unlicensed assistive personnel like patient care technicians is a valuable experience. Involvement in any professional nursing organization would help make a new graduate stand out.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Perioperative Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Michelle Hampton Ph.D.: I don't know if I would call these trends, but the challenges I'm hearing and learning about from my students, who are already nurses, are:
Acute care settings are challenged with increased workload and understaffing. They are cross-training nurses from other departments to work in ICU or other places, for which they might not have the experience to meet the hospital's needs or organization. They're also using registry nurses.
Nurses in settings that provide non-urgent services might be laid off or working reduced hours, i.e., elective surgery centers.
I had signed up as an emergency worker with the State of California and, from time to time, receive emails that skilled nursing facilities need staff also.
Essentially, there's always work in nursing, but what varies is the setting, and new nurses will have to consider the level of risk they can accept and are prepared to handle.
What Perioperative Nurse skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michelle Hampton Ph.D.: I think there are always opportunities to work and gain experience once the nurse is licensed. They might need to be creative, flexible, and work where there's a need. That might be a specialty area they hadn't considered or a geographic area that requires some travel. I don't think a gap year is inevitable for all new graduates and there might be opportunities for them to find work, and they can always continue the learning process after you're employed, even if it's not your dream job. The more significant obstacle seems to be for students who are currently still in nursing programs.
Clinical sites weren't accepting students for several months, and now that they are again, they have significantly limited the number of students allowed at one time and the number of hours they can train. When a staff member or patient tests positive, students are pulled from the site for some time, and students are struggling to get the minimum number of hours required to continue progressing in the nursing program. Some schools have even suspended admission for new groups of students instead choosing to focus on getting the current students through the program.
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Michelle Hampton Ph.D.: For a reason stated above, students graduating during the pandemic are doing so with less clinical experience than students usually do. Nurse educators have worked to supplement with simulation training, but the fact remains that new graduates in the COVID-19 era will require more on-the-job training and support. They will need mentors and resources in the early months of their new positions - this is required, even outside of the pandemic, to provide safe and effective care and continue the learning process. I would advise students to ask about the availability of resources and mentorship if interviewing for a position.
And, if they accept a job with limited resources, I would encourage them to find informal mentors outside of the clinical setting to support them. One of the biggest challenges for new graduates is figuring out what you don't know - and the potential risks if you don't get help in those circumstances. For that reason, I hope that every new graduate RN will be able to identify a mentor that they feel comfortable enough to ask questions and consult if they are unsure about how to interpret physical assessment findings, lab or diagnostic test results, and what to do when the results are concerning to them.
It sounds simple enough, but finding a resource person like this is not a given. Considering how busy the rest of the staff must be at this point, and lateral and interprofessional incivility, new graduates might feel isolated and uncertain about their skills and practice competency. Supporting them can bolster staffing capacity and save patient lives.
Dr. Nicole Bell-Rogers
Assistant ProfessorDelaware State University
College of Health & Behavioral Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Perioperative Nurses?
Dr. Nicole Bell-Rogers: Yes, there will be significant changes and impacts to not only nursing but also to the healthcare profession as a whole. There will be more opportunities to work remotely, increased career paths for mental health care, and telehealth visits.
Nursing, as a profession, may take a hit on the front lines, where there may be a shift from bedside care nursing to other nursing opportunities that require less risk and even reduce stress levels for nurses. In my opinion, more monetary incentives may be necessary to persuade nurses to stay in these particular areas, due to current demanding workloads, increased front-line essential worker risk exposure, and burnout. I think, unless incentives are provided, these fears will keep more people from embarking on the profession as a career choice and may contribute to many leaving the profession and considering less risky opportunities.
What type of skills will young Perioperative Nurses need?
Dr. Nicole Bell-Rogers: Graduates should possess critical thinking skills and exceptional communications skills. They must also be able to have interpersonal skills and be a team player in order to make themselves more marketable to recruiters and hiring organizations. Professionalism and critical thinking are two of the Pillars of Nursing Practice. These qualities remain invaluable to hiring organizations seeking prudent, well-prepared nurses.
What experience really stands out on Perioperative Nurse resumes?
Dr. Nicole Bell-Rogers: Experiences where graduates have had prior healthcare experience, and training is a plus to employers. Employers want to see down-to-earth graduates who know how to clinically reason and multi-task with safety as a priority!
What general advice would you give to a Perioperative Nurse?
Gloria Boseman Ph.D.: Right now is a difficult time to begin as a new graduate, but the expectations of nursing have always been distant from the realities of the job. The beginning if of a nursing career can be challenging and emotionally taxing, but if you hang in there, it can be the most rewarding career ever. First, give yourself the grace of being a novice. You can't know everything the first day you arrive, be patient with yourself, ask for help, seek supportive people, and don't let the burnouts burn you, take notes, learn from your mistakes (mistakes are allowed). Time management is essential - practice self-care - take your breaks and your lunch, stay patient-focused and patient-centered, don't compromise; deliver safe, quality care. It's your first job, not your forever job.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Perioperative Nurses in the next 3-5 years?
Gloria Boseman Ph.D.: Telehealth is here to stay, fast-tracked because of the pandemic. It was already an emerging trend. I believe nurses will play a more direct role in assessing and interpreting client information and making critical care decisions. As one of the most trusted health care professionals, and as the focus shifts from individual to population health due to the pandemic, consumers have come to rely on technology as a way of communicating and connecting to health care providers, nursing competencies will have to expand to include these skulls.
In addition, real-time data entry could change care at the bedside as well as communication in time vis a vis smart watches or small computers that can synchronize (or recognize) conversation and transcribe to record, stethoscopes that can capture and analyze heart and lung sounds via Bluetooth technology will evolve and 3D printers will change the world of patient care by recreating medication, skin, and even organs.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Perioperative Nurses, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Gloria Boseman Ph.D.: As a seasoned 40-year veteran in the nursing profession, I am fortunate to be in a geographic region where entry level salary is comparably high to other professions and to other nursing graduates in other states. This is especially true since you are still able to enter the profession at the associate degree level and the differentiation between associate degree prepared and baccalaureate prepared nurses salaries are not that different. The disappointing news is in evaluating earning potential - the difference between starting salary and peak salary varies by geographical location, and even that does not show comparable growth to other professions. It remains to be seen if the current appreciation for front line workers will translate to increases in salaries.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Perioperative Nurses in the next 3-5 years?
Cynthia L. Dakin: I believe telemedicine will see a sustained increase in the coming years, well after the pandemic has passed. Nurses in primary care will be asked to screen more patients using this technology to ascertain whether a face-to-face visit is necessary, if a telemedicine visit is appropriate, or if a patient needs to be referred to the acute care hospital emergency department. Nurses in-home care have used this sporadically through the years to monitor patients with heart failure, but more nurses will need to become familiar with this technology to be applied to a more broad base of patients with a variety of medical comorbidities.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Perioperative Nurses in the next 5 years?
Cynthia L. Dakin: I believe there will continue to be an increase in home care and extended care facilities as the baby boomers continue to age. With the advances in reconstructive orthopedic surgery, more people will be seeking care in rehabilitation centers and home care. Additionally, although telemedicine has been around for several years, the number of people choosing these visits vs. face-to-face has greatly increased due to the current pandemic. As providers become more comfortable with this method of care delivery and with this mode of primary healthcare, it will increasingly be used to stretch a PCPs ability to meet the increasing needs of the population.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Perioperative Nurse job market given the pandemic?
Cynthia L. Dakin: I believe that primary care will see the biggest growth in opportunities for nurses. Patients will continue to spend less time in the acute care setting with each visit. Therefore, nurses in the community or in rehabilitation or long-term care facilities will be needed to assist patients in reaching their optimum level of health to be maintained at home or in long term care facilities. With an ever-increasing focus from aging adults to remain in their homes vs. health care facilities, nurses will be challenged to assist patients to live their lives according to their individual life plans.
Karla Nygren MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CPN, TCRN
CPN-at-Large Representative, Pediatric Nursing Certification BoardPNCB
What type of skills will young Perioperative Nurses need?
Karla Nygren MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CPN, TCRN: These graduates will need to be adaptable to change. Skill sets may be altered and adapted to the ever-changing need of the workforce. Technology will change (telehealth, etc.), and this will lead to workplace environment changes also.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Perioperative Nurses to find work opportunities?
Karla Nygren MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CPN, TCRN: Opportunities will exist everywhere, from rural to frontier to urban. If they aren't visible when they graduate, wait a bit, and the pendulum will swing.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Perioperative Nurses?
Karla Nygren MSN, MBA, RN, CCRN, CEN, CFRN, CPEN, CPN, TCRN: Absolutely will. This isn't our last pandemic. This pandemic is simply testing us; preparing us for the future.
Susan Burke Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC
CPNP Faculty-at-Large Representative, Pediatric Nursing Certification BoardPNCB
What type of skills will young Perioperative Nurses need?
Susan Burke Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC: PNP graduates, when they enter the workforce, will need to be resilient to adapt to changes in patient populations, clinical acuity, and changing levels of responsibility. As healthcare changes, a greater number of more complex patients will be seeking care in primary care settings.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Perioperative Nurses to find work opportunities?
Susan Burke Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC: Opportunities for PNP exist in rural, suburban, and urban locations across the country.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Perioperative Nurses?
Susan Burke Ph.D., RN, CPNP-PC: Absolutely! Covid-19 is the first virus to result in a global pandemic, certainly not the last. The development of new pathogens and the increase in antimicrobial resistance, coupled with the increasing number of vulnerable individuals, creates a significant impact on healthcare delivery and the role of the PNP.