Celebrating Perioperative Nurses Week at the MUHC

From November 9 to 15, the MUHC celebrates the incredible work of perioperative nurses —professionals who play a vital role in caring for patients before, during, and after surgery. With both pediatric and adult services, the MUHC is home to many skilled perioperative nurses. This year, the focus is on one nurse on the adult side who exemplifies the dedication, teamwork, and compassion that define the profession. 

Meet Carine Bien-Aimé 

With more than 10 years of experience as an Operating Room Nurse, Carine Bien-Aimé has served as Team Leader for the General Surgery Service at the MGH, covering Bariatrics, Minimally Invasive Surgeries (MIS), and Acute Care Surgery (ACS). Carine also works across different specialties, bringing variety and daily learning opportunities to her routine. 

This past May, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and recently stepped into a new role as Interim Nurse Educator (NPDE – Nursing Professional Development Educator) at the Glen site’s Royal Victoria Hospital. In this role, she supports the nursing team, tackles challenges, fosters a positive environment, and — most importantly — brings a little humour to the OR. “Laughter is a great way to stay grounded,” she adds. 

When asked, “What does the MUHC mean to you?” Carine says: 

"Working in the OR at the MUHC truly feels like being part of a strong, united team. Whether it’s an elective case or a trauma situation, we all pull together to give the best of ourselves. During emergencies, I’m always amazed by the synergy and collaboration that naturally happens—we rely on each other, support one another, and do everything we can to save lives. That spirit of teamwork and dedication is what makes the MUHC so special to me." 

The adult perioperative team at the MUHC consists of: 

• RVH: 11 LPNs and 36 RNs 

• MGH: 12 LPNs and 39 RNs 

• Lachine: 4 LPNs and 14 RNs 

• Neuro: 1 nurse manager, 1 assistant nurse manager, 1 NPDE, 15 RNs and 4 LPNs 

Perioperative Nursing in Pediatrics 

At the Montreal Children’s Hospital, the perioperative nursing team includes 36 nurses and 7 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). The team cares for patients from a few weeks old up to 18 years of age, working closely with families and collaborating across 15 surgical divisions. Pediatric perioperative nurses manage elective, urgent, and trauma cases, ensuring safe and compassionate care for every patient. 

A perioperative nurse’s role includes: 

• Conducting pre-operative screenings and patient assessments.
• Answering questions and supporting patients and families.
• Acting as a scrub nurse—maintaining sterility, passing instruments, managing surgical counts, and monitoring the surgical table.
• Functioning as a circulating nurse—overseeing overall nursing care, ensuring a safe environment, coordinating with staff, and managing surgical counts.
• Coordinating workflow during off-hours and weekends.
• Ensuring all equipment, implants, and instruments are ready for each case.
• Communicating across hospital teams, including adult colleagues and sales representatives. 

Thank you to each and every one of our perioperative nurses 

Perioperative nurses combine technical skill with empathy, keeping patients safe and cared for during some of their most vulnerable moments. This Perioperative Nurses Week, let’s recognize all the nurses in this field for their dedication, expertise, and the teamwork that makes the MUHC a special place for patients and staff alike.