A DAY IN A LIFE

My alarm usually goes off around 5am, I get up and get ready for the day. Most surgical cases start at 7:00-7:30am depending on which setting you are working at either the hospital or same day surgery center.  I make sure to eat breakfast before because some days you might not get a morning break.  When I get to the hospital, I change into my surgical attire.  Don’t forget the scrub hat, mask, and shoe covers! 

I like to get on the floor 15 minutes early before the morning huddle.  This gives me plenty of time to do my morning scrub, check the surgical board, go through my case cart using my preference card (life saver), then get my room ready.  Not all preference cards are perfect, but it will get you by hopefully. After I huddle, I go to my OR suite and organize my room and set everything up for surgery.  Be helpful, help your team and nurses locate equipment if you can.  It just helps the flow of things!  I find it highly helpful if you know where you’re going to be the day before.  It gives you a chance to look over the preference card and time to study your cases.  This doesn’t always work out, but if you have that opportunity to prepare take advantage of it!  

The average cases you will do in a day depends on the scheduled cases and which specialty are available.  For example, if you’re doing total joints, it could vary between 4-5 cases.  You can be in a total joint for a couple hours or more.  When you’re in a total joint you will not get breaks because there should be no traffic in and out of the OR.  The rep is highly helpful and will get you ready for the case! Although some places you might be on your own, don't let that scare you!  Most surgeons have a set routine, and you’ll learn quickly. 

I like to go on my lunch break between my joint cases, in the meantime your room gets turned over and cleaned before you can set up for the next case.  You will be responsible for all instruments, counts, local medication (always label), and make sure you have everything beforehand. 

When the patient arrives and is transferred onto the OR table, ALWAYS put the safety strap on first! If you are scrubbed in, don’t worry about it.  Next, anesthesia will put the patient to sleep and the circulator will help position them.  Before the procedure the skin prep is done before draping the patient.  A timeout should be made prior to surgery start time and first incision.  During the case pay close attention, listen, be attentive and anticipate.  The surgeon loves eagerness to learn and if you know the next step and always have something in your hand.  

In time you’ll pick up new tricks and techniques! Remember to do counts with a circulator of all disposable items (sponges, blade, needles, hypos, cautery tip) three counts are completed before closing the incision site.  After the dressings are placed the drapes are taken down and the patient is ready to exit the OR.  I always keep instruments, back table and mayo stand sterile.  When the procedure is completed the back table, mayo stand can be torn down, then your gown can be taken off and thrown away.  Be helpful and spray instruments and keep sharp instruments separate.  This sums up a normal day, but we all know it can change quickly with all the add ons.  I did not go into small detail, but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask.