Operating Room

Surgical patients around the world depend on the skills and knowledge of staff who work in the operating room. No matter what language is spoken, the prospect of surgery generates a lot of questions.  What happens behind the closed doors of the OR?  Who are the people behind those masks?  What will they be doing during my surgery? 

What Happens Behind The Closed Doors Of The Operating Room?
Whether you have same day surgery, in which you go home the same day to recuperate, or your surgery requires a longer hospital stay, the Surgical Services Staff are busy with your surgical care long before you enter the Operating Room (OR).  Assessing your individual needs and planning the nursing care you will receive before, during, and after your surgery are just some of the preoperative planning methods that result in a more comfortable surgical experience.

In scheduling your procedure, the perioperative registered nurse takes into account the urgency of your surgery, your schedule, the surgical team's schedule, the availability of supplies and equipment, and special tests you may need prior to your procedure.  The Surgical Services Staff considers all of these things when planning the care you receive during surgery.  If special instruments or equipment are required, the Surgical Services Staff will make sure they are available. 

Before your surgery, the perioperative registered nurse explains what you can expect and provides you and your caregivers with the information to help you make informed decisions about your follow up care.

Who are the people behind those masks?
The people behind those masks care about you and want to do their very best to ensure that your surgical experience is safe and effective.  Even though the masks and gowns they wear may seem a bit odd, they are worn to ensure a sterile environment, which protects you from infection.

The people behind those masks are part of a surgical team that usually consists of a surgeon, his or her surgical assistant, an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, and scrub nurse, and a circulating nurse. 

Surgical Services staff possess the skill and judgement that help make patient care in the OR safe and efficient. 

• They strive to acquire and maintain current knowledge in nursing practice.
• They commit themselves to delivering the high quality of care you expect and deserve.
• They hold themselves to a high degree of professional performance.
• They evaluate their nursing performance.
• They act on behalf of their patients in an ethical manner.
• They work with their patients, patient's caregivers, and other health care providers to plan and deliver care in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

What will the staff be doing during my surgery?
Once the OR doors close, the unique nature of surgery requires the surgical team to be aware of and to respond with compassion to your physical and emotional needs.  While you are under anesthesia, the surgical team ensures sterile technique and anticipates the surgeon's needs to make sure he or she has everything they need to complete your surgery successfully.

Same Day Surgery
A perioperative nurse will be responsible for your care in the admission-discharge area.  They will care interview you and do a nursing assessment, answer any questions, and provide any teaching you will need at this time.

Scrub Nurse
The scrub nurse works directly with the surgeon within the sterile field passing instruments, sponges, and other items needed during the surgical procedure.  The sterile field is the area closely surrounding the OR table, and the Mayo stand, or instrument tray.  Surgical team members who work within the sterile field have scrubbed their hands and arms with special disinfecting soap and wear surgical gowns, caps, eyewear, gloves, and shoe covers.

Circulating Nurse
The circulating nurse's duties are performed outside the sterile field.  The circulating nurse is responsible for managing the nursing care within the OR.  The circulating nurse observes the surgical team from a broad perspective and assists the team to create and maintain a safe, comfortable environment for your surgery.  The circulating nurse makes sure each member of the surgical team performs in a united effort.

CRNAs and MDAs
These are anesthesia specialists who administer anesthetics for surgical, obstetrical and other operative or pain management procedures.  They represent a long-standing commitment to high standards in a demanding field.  They provide high quality anesthesia service combined with personal concern for the health and welfare of patients.  All anesthesia care is provided with the highest degree of professionalism.  Sensitive and sophisticated equipment monitors every important function of your body.  In response to your body's reactions, the nurse anesthestist modifies your anesthetic as needed.

Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
When your surgery is over you will be observed for a period of time in an area known as the Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) formerly known as the Recovery Room.  You will be cared for by a perianesthesia registered nurse.   During your stay in PACU, the nursing staff will monitor your vital signs closely, ensuring that you are able to cough and swallow and are awake enough to sit up without being dizzy and responding appropriately  The nurse will address your needs so that you have only minimal discomfort.  Once you achieve set criteria you will be evaluated for discharge from this area.