Left-handed scrub nurse?

maeyken · Feb 21, 2009

I'm right-handed, but I tend to pass things with either hand- depends on the situation, like where I'm standing in relation to the surgeon, what type of case it is, what retractors I am holding at the moment, etc.

Sorry I can't be more help :) I'm sure it'll get easier for you!

linda2097 · Feb 22, 2009

You'll get good at it with practice. Uncomfortable will become comfortable.

lilla_fjaril · Feb 22, 2009

Thanks for the support. I just seem to be struggling worse than the rest of the orientees (who are right-handed.) I usually pick up things quickly but I feel almost like I have a learning disability when it comes to loading and passing things.

I keep hearing horror stories about surgeons kicking new nurses off their service for being weak scrubs and I really want to make a decent first impression.

ewattsjt · Feb 22, 2009

It simply takes practice. I am right handed but pass with either hand depending on where I am standing and the where the doctor/assistant is standing. In fact on many occasion, I will be taking one instrument back with one hand while passing to the surgeon with the other.

Hand on top is simply a bad habit and you will get used to passing with hand underneath in time. I know that we are supposed to use neutral zones but not everyone does nor is it always possible. If hand is on top while passing suture, you run a huge risk of getting stuck.

maeyken · Feb 23, 2009

There's different things that everyone struggles with. When I first started, one of my big issues was loading a suture on a curved driver. Straight drivers I was ok with, but for some reason I just could not wrap my head around it (with curved driver). And no matter how much I practiced it still didn't feel right or look right. Then one day it just sort of "clicked" and I didn't have issues with it anymore.

Everyone adapts at different rates- and some things that you find easy someone else might find difficult. One of the girls I started with had huge issues getting gowned and gloved at first. You'll get there! :)

scotsnurse72 · Mar 2, 2009

Hi

I agree with the rest of your replies. I'm right handed and pass most of my instruments over with my left hand, especially as I'm usually standing beside the surgeon and I was taught not to pass my arm over in front of the surgeon unless it is totally avoidable. Once you find what is comforable for you then it will be like you never had any problems. The other danger with loading scalpel handles with your non dominant hand is that you could slip and injure yourself on the blade, so just be careful, especially with contaminated blades. It just takes practice, practice, practice.... GOOD LUCK :)

KayceeCA · Mar 3, 2009

I'm left handed, and I agree with the other responses. You will pass with both hands, depending on the situation and the best angle to get the instrument to the surgeon. Passing under versus over will become more natural with time. The thing I struggled most with, and still struggle with, is cutting. Scissors were made for right-handed people, and even after years of experience, it's still difficult for me to cut suture. I do the best I can, use my left hand because I simply cannot cut with my right hand, and angle the scissors in the way that I've found to work best (although not great).

Don't worry...your motivation, determination to do the best job possible, and overall skills will make up for any minor glitches your lefthandedness may cause.