Surgical department

Inge Elisabeth Pedersen
- nurse at a surgical department

I have always been attracted to surgery maybe because the quick flow in the operating theater fits my temper. After a successful operation I leave my job with a feeling of having helped at patient to get a better life. Many of our patients have constant pain and the operation relieves that pain. If a surgical procedure is unsuccessful, I spend a lot of time thinking what could have been done differently.

In my job as a nurse at a surgical ward I find the relevant instruments, control that they are sterilised and ready for use. During surgery I assist the surgeon and make sure the patient is in a comfortable position to avoid nerve or compression damages. After the surgeon has finished the nurse dresses the wound and put on bandage if needed.

I consider myself the patient’s spokes-person during surgery. The patient cannot communicate his or her needs when anaesthesized.

The job as nurse at a surgical ward demands high professionalism and a clear understanding of the patient’s basic needs. It is important to consider the patient as a whole person and not just a person with a damaged hip or shoulder.

We often work together with new and rather inexperienced surgeons who need us to evaluate the situation and let them know if extra help is needed.

A good professional background and extensive experience from other wards is necessary to manage the job in a satisfactory way.