[introspectiveRN]

I was able to observe one surgery in nursing school and of course now I have forgotten what I did learn as far as the OR setup.

Could you please describe the different players in the OR theatre and in what roles nursing comes in. I seem to remember being told that the two best skills you could have as an OR nurse were: pristine documentation skills (which one does this?) and that it really helps if you have OCD.

Thank you in advance.

[Scrubby]

[I seem to remember being told that the two best skills you could have as an OR nurse were: pristine documentation skills (which one does this?) and that it really helps if you have OCD]

I don't really know what an OCD is but i'd love to meet the person who says that pristine documentation skills is the most important skill for an OR nurse.....

Who cares if your paper work is nice and pristine if you patient develops pressure areas because you were too busy doing paperwork than making sure they are positioned correctly?

The best skill an OR nurse can have is to always focus on the patient because they are the most important person in the room.

[Could you please describe the different players in the OR theatre and in what roles nursing comes in}

In my OR we have a scout (circulating) nurse who is not scrubbed, who is running around opening stuff, helping position the patient, pours fluids, counts with the scrub, ties gowns that sort of thing. Oh yeah and does the paperwork....

We have a scrub (instrument) nurse who hands the instruments over during the procedure, makes sure that what goes into the patient comes out...

We have an anaesthetic nurse who assists the anaesthetist, helps with intubation and extubation, helps with patient positioning, keeps patient warm, monitors vital signs.....

Hope this was helpful...

[brewerpaul]

Our OR uses computer documentation so as the circulator, I really don't have to worry a lot about being "pristine". Good thing too, because my handwriting is horrible!
The documentation is mostly fill-in-the-blanks, but there are places on each screen where you can add free text. As appropriate, on the screen that documents the skin prep, I'll add text like "Chux applied below patient during Betadine scrub, removed prior to start of surgery". Although drug and food allergies are noted in other areas of the patient chart, I'll add those where appropriate.

[shodobe]

If "pristine" documentation was a factor in my employment, I would have been let go many, many years ago! My handwriting isn't the best either. A person with OCD can have it's plus side but could have a negative effect. I don't mind people who have a way about them set instone, but it could be very iritating to others. I have my "habits" and procedures which I don't compromise on but I don't consider this OCD, just the way I like things done. I am flexible and don't rub people wrong just because they don't do it my way. My understaning is people with OCD have a hard time excepting anything not done their way. I might be wrong, but this could have an opposite affect from certain types. The descriptions given are pretty accurate and if you are OCD please have an open mind when given instructions from others on how something is done. Rememer everyone does something a little different and that doesn't mean it is being done wrong just that is the way they like do it.

[introspectiveRN]

Actually, this is very encouraging because I was intimidated by the "pristine documentation" and "OCD" comments because I don't have either one! whew! I feel very relieved....I have really wanted to try OR but have been intimidated at the thought of having to be perfect...or else.
Thanks everyone!