Surgeons who don't know what they are doing

Wow...I'd take it up with my supervisor.

But on another note, one of the old surgeons that I work with loves to teach. He will ask the tech what to do next as a learning check. If the tech states "I don't know", he will go into great detail explaining the procedure, why he is doing certain things, and why he prefers certain instruments or sutures. I love working with him, I learn so much when I'm in his room.

I'd go to the head of that surgeon's department, or the head of surgery... Is it actually that the doc doesn't know, or that they're thinking out loud and getting opinions from others?

We have one anesthetist that thinks out loud during difficult times and some people think that he doesn't know what he's doing, but he really does know his stuff. Just likes to think out loud!

Does he really not know what he is doing or is he working with a new/different to him set of instruments to get the job done? Sometimes going to a new facility means relearning how to do things with different methods. :) Then again, maybe he really is clueless. There is a certain person whose name I'd want tattooed to my chest with the phrase "never let xxx touch me" because I am convinced they are clueless. :S

As long as he is credentialed to perform the surgery, then there's probably nothing that can be done. They all go through a learning process at one time or another.

The reps know their instruments, and have probably seen a variety of ways to use them. They can be very helpful, actually.

As nurses, are we supposed to tell someone that the surgeon is clueless?

If your gut tells you something is wrong, you should run your suspicions by someone. Remember that the trusting patient lying in front of you is also clueless.....and helpless.

If you have concerns that he really isn't able to perform the surgery adequately you should put your concerns in writing ASAP. It's your job to advocate for your patients.

Are the patients coming through the surgery?! How are they doing after it?! Are the patients in trouble while in the table?! Is the surgery needed being completed?!

Follow your facilities P&P. I have been in this situation and it isn't pleasant. You must be objective and clear in your concerns. Put it in writing either to your supervisor or through your risk management procedure. We had a surgeon that was clueless and it took us a long time, but his privileges were revoked. The important thing is to document document document. Again always be objective and don't let personalities come into it.