A preoperative nurse manager oversees nursing care of patients right before surgery.
The time immediately before a surgical procedure is known as the preoperative period. A preoperative nurse manager oversees the nursing care delivered in a special holding area at this time.
Function
According to the National Student Nurses' Association, a preoperative nurse manager is responsible for the personnel, quality, service, business growth, and financial health of his nursing area.
Significance
A preoperative nurse manager combines her clinical knowledge base with business acumen to balance the needs of patients with available resources to provide the best possible care. For example, she establishes a tracking system to monitor patient flow through the holding area to ensure that patients are ready when the operating room suite opens up.
Settings
While most preoperative nurse managers work in traditional hospitals, many have accepted positions in freestanding surgery centers, clinics, and physicians' offices.
Requirements
A preoperative nurse manager is an RN who typically has three to five years of experience in his specialty and a bachelor of science or master of science degree in nursing, according to the NSNA. Some employers require certification in nursing management or perioperative (operating room) nursing.
Salary
According to Pay Scale, a preoperative nurse manager with 10 to 19 years of experience can expect a salary in the $68,180 to $89,145 range as of 2009.
