A surgical nurse practitioner performs a variety of duties related to the care of surgery patients. As a surgical nurse practitioner, you are responsible for assessing new patients, discussing their various options for surgery, consulting with patients after their operation, and working with other clinical staff and physicians to determine the best care for every patient. You are also responsible for performing tests and administering medications before and after surgery, under the direction of a physician or surgeon. Surgical nurse practitioners are also present during surgery, assisting surgeons and other medical staff to ensure an operation goes smoothly. Surgical nurses may work in a hospital or a private practice.