As a perioperative nurse, you work as part of a surgical operating team. Your job duties include preparing patients for procedures, assisting the operating team, and managing all nursing responsibilities in the operating room. Most perioperative nurses work in clinics, hospitals, private practices, or surgical units. You must be a registered nurse with specific experience working in high-stress environments such as an emergency room or critical care unit. Many perioperative nurses are required to be on call. You likely work on nights, weekends, and holidays, especially early in your career.