as2442

Hi, I'm in an OR residency right now. The program requires a lot of learning (and studying outside of work). You have to learn everybody's roles (med student, vendors, residents, surgeons, scrub tech, xray tech, etc.), a new charting system, all the procedures, multiple trays for each procedure, how to clean the room properly, how to stock a room, how to remain ASEPTIC AND STERILE, how to pass instruments, how to load sutures/staple guns, how to troubleshoot EVERYTHING. My interview process had 3-4 different rounds and at each round someone always asked a question about troubleshooting equipment. For example, one question was: Have you ever set up a piece of equipment WITHOUT instructions? I used IKEA furniture as an example. When you're in the OR, you may not have the instructions for a piece of equipment you've only used once or twice, or you may not have the time to read the instructions if it is a trauma or emergent situation... so they want to know that you are 'tech savvy' and can troubleshoot a piece of equipment under pressure. Another thing is that you have to be extremely organized. Being in the OR is very similar to a code on the floors in the sense that you need to note the "Time" for everything. What time you came into the room, what time the med student came in the room and what time they LEFT the room, the time the surgeon made an incision, the time you made the initial instrument count, the time the surgeon closed the wound, the time of the final instrument count, the time you are leaving the room with the patient. Etc.... Just to name a few things ha! I would emphasize that you are ready to learn, can "MacGiver" things, and enjoy working on a team. In the OR you cannot do anything alone so communication is key.