Operating Room Scenarios

GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATING ROOM EXPERIENCE

You are assigned to an OR experience (see clinical rotation schedule). While you are there you will be observing the operating room, surgery being performed and then follow that patient into the recovery room. You will not be alone and the staff has assured me that they are willing to help you, answer questions, etc. As with other experiences, you will get out of it what you are willing to put in. If you show interest, most surgeons are willing to explain the procedure.

The nursing supervisor of the OR will be the person who will assign you. You are expected to be in the OR at 6:45 a.m. (Don’t come to pre-conference that day.)

I. ANSWER THE QUESTIONS BELOW AND TURN THEM IN THE FOLLOWING WEEK.

A. The Role of the Operating Room Team

1. Describe the role of the scrub nurse/technician.

The role of the scrub nurse is to assist the surgeon

Describe the role of the circulating nurse.

The role of the circulating nurse is to meet with the client before the procedure, verifies the identity of the client and goes over the paperwork making sure the client understands the procedure. The nurse also verified that someone was with her and their relationship to the client. The circulating nurse also takes the client back to the operating room, positions the client, gets any equipment or supplies the tech, surgical nurse, and surgeon may need. The circulating nurse keeps a log of what happens during the surgery, and reconciles the supplies and equipment that was used for the surgery matches the inventory. The circulating nurse takes the client out to post op and does a handoff report to the nurse.

3. Describe how the operating room team identifies the client and surgical site.

Before the procedure begins the circulating nurse goes over the client’s name, age, procedure, allergies, and type of procedure with the surgeon, technician, and surgical nurse.

B. For the Patient You Choose to Follow Through