Anyone sweat while scrubbed into the OR?

[bergerse]

I am a student nurse about to graduate this June. I am in the OR right now, and still like it, but I have one problem...I sweat a lot when scrubbed in for surgery. It does not happen all the time, mostly when I'm really nervous, and doing a new procedure, or working with a difficult surgeon. It's embarrassing, but more then anything it takes my mind off the procedure, because all I can think about is how hot and uncomfortable I am. So far, no one has said anything, but I'm worried because the hospital wants to hire me as a scrub technician, until I get my RN license. This worries me because I will be scrubbed in all alone, with no safety net (as a student we cannot scrub alone, a tech has to be with us) and that my nerves will take over, and hence the sweat! I normally seat at the drop of a hat anyways, but the cold OR rooms are not enough by the time I have my cap, mask, gown, double gloves etc on. I have thought about a cooling vest but they are spendy, and no one else in the OR has to wear one. Anyone have any thoughts? Anyone else have this problem? I am terrified to be the only tech scrubbed in for surgery, and contaminate something because of my sweating!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Oh Yeah! You aren't the only one. Just can't deal with all that garb. My experiences have been limited to running IABP on the periphery or assisting with insertions of various gizmos in cath lab, but it's horrible - even worse with a lead apron stacked on top ov everything else. Yeesh. I am "hot natured" to begin with (rarely wear a coat) so I couldn't even blame it on hormones. My hands get pruney if I wear gloves for >30 minutes. I know that a lot of folks use those 'wicking' (athletic) t-shirts & undies under their scrubs - have you tried them? For sure, you probably need to use a sweatband and full face shield to avoid contamination.

Have you considered that maybe the OR is just not the place for you?