Typically, registered nurses (RNs) do not perform surgery. Surgery is typically performed by licensed surgeons, such as a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO), who specialize in surgical procedures.
However, RNs do play an important role in supporting surgical teams before, during, and after surgery. For example, they may assist with preoperative assessments, preparing the patient and the operating room, monitoring the patient’s vital signs during surgery, and providing postoperative care and education.
In some cases, RNs who have received additional training and certification in a specialized area of nursing, such as perioperative nursing or surgical nursing, may assist with more complex aspects of surgical care, such as scrubbing in for surgery or helping to close incisions. However, even in these cases, the surgeon is typically the individual who performs the actual surgery.
It is important to note that the specific role of an RN in surgical settings may vary depending on the laws and regulations in their jurisdiction, as well as the policies and procedures of the healthcare facility where they work.