This text defines the perioperative role and its implementation based on national standards established by professional organizations. The use of care plans in the operating room and general aseptic techniques are explored. In addition to detailing the basic skills needed preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively, such as gloving, gowning, asepsis, and techniques to promote wound healing, the author takes a look into the future and sees perioperative nurses in roles as independent practitioners, including case managers, nurse consultants, and corporate clinical nurse educators.