Advice for day in the OR

medicrnohio, RN · Sep 24, 2003

Don't touch anything and do not break sterile technique. Ask lots of questions. Watch and learn. Enjoy.

I haven't done observation as a nursing student but did intubations on patients in the OR when I was going through paramedic school. I found that the CRNA was very helpful and willing to answer all kinds of questions about the surgery itself.

rpbear · Sep 24, 2003

You will have to stand the whole time so wear comfortable shoes, eat a good breakfast, and don't lock your knees (you may pass out if you do!). I did an obsevation in OB OR so I only saw c-sections, but the CRNA or anasthesiologist was very helpful in answering questions. He told us about everything that was happening. It was very exciting. Don't be nervous, you will really enjoy it!

EyesForward · Sep 24, 2003

Oh wow, I'd give anything to be you right now! I'd go in confident, happy, quiet, observant, and open. Can't wait for that day. For now, I wait patiently, and study.

Nrs. LaLa-Land · Sep 25, 2003

Don't eat a large breakfast before you go.....one girl I know thought she was able to handle seeing a surgery and started throwing up....

NurseSarahRN · Sep 25, 2003

Good advice about not locking your knees. I spent my second semester OR experience in the Emergency Room after fainting! It was the most embarrassing thing ever. I hadn't eaten much for breakfast and had been standing on my feet in the holding area for hours. I didn't even get to enter the OR before I fainted. :imbar Has anyone else ever had something like this happen? Best of luck to you, it should be a good learning experience!

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2003

Dont lock your knees was the first thing that came to my mind when I saw the question! Watch for anything blue..... if its blue (some places may use green) dont touch it! Thats usually the sterile field....... no loose jewelry (like dangling earrings, or even earrings that you may lose a back to) If they give you a choice of what you can see..... if its a laparoscopic case, it will be on a TV..... you can see everything....... and learn alot!

MisterArnold · Sep 25, 2003

Make friends with the CRNA. Alot of the times they will let you stand where they are and watch the procedures. They will also tell you about the various medicines they are using. When I did it the doctors were wonderful. They would have us come right up to the table and show us various anatomy. It is a wonderful experience. Enjoy it. If you are unsure about anything check with the circulating nurse.

MQ Edna · Sep 25, 2003

That is too cool! Please let us know how your day in the OR went. Don't leave out anything.

Kathy:cool:

jjbaby · Sep 25, 2003

Definitely eat before you go even if you are not hungry, you will be standing the entire time. Asking questions is also a great idea, you will learn a lot from the answers.

I got to see 2 surgeries, a lap chole, and a breast reduction. It was a great experience. The Doctors were very helpful and explained everything as they went along. The Doctor doing the breast reduction decided to "quiz" me during the operation, he was asking me questions throughout the procedure. Like what is this muscle? At first I felt kind of dumb when I didn't know the answers, but he said it is ok to say you don't know. And then he would tell me the answer. Later he went back and asked me the questions he had answered for me to see if I was paying attention. (And I was).

During the Lap Chole the anesthesiologist let me come to the head of the patient and explained the entire anesthesia process to me and explained the machines and all of the meds he was using. He also let me watch him intubate her from up close and personal!!!! There is no book that can replace these experiences. I really enjoyed the day and was very glad to have had the experience. You will be fine and you will learn a lot. Enjoy. Peace.

chartleypj · Sep 25, 2003

Interesting responses.

As an OR nurse with many years of experience who can remember her first student observation, this is what I would suggest.

1) Try to find out what kinds of surgeries you will observe. Review your anatomy and pathophysiology.

2) Ask if you can observe in a room with a perioperative RN who enjoys mentoring students. Listen and learn. Follow her direction re where to stand and what to get close to.

3) Eat.

4) Ask questions; perioperative RN's love to teach. Be mindful of precisely when you ask, though.

Enjoy your experience,

Paula

bonjovigirl · Sep 25, 2003

I have no advice, I am just sooooooo jealous.

let us know how it goes!!!