1 The duties for surgical nurses begin well before the operation.2 They often start by meeting with patients and their families prior to surgery and explaining the procedure and expected recovery time.3 They also sterilize and set up surgical tools, prepare the operating room and help other members of the surgical team put on sterile gowns, gloves and masks.4 In addition, they clean and prepare the incision site.5 Following the operation, they bandage and stitch up wounds and incisions, transport the patient to the recovery room and monitor him as he awakens from anesthesia.6 They continue to provide care until the patient is transferred to another unit, such as intensive care, or discharged from the hospital.7 They often work in a high-pressure environment that requires them to think quickly and remain calm even in a crisis.