There are several rules of the operating room that everyone should abide by. I’m not saying that everyone does, I’m just saying that everyone should. So I’ve put together a list of 12 rules that make our operating world go ’round. Some of these are actually a little bit more like unrealistic expectations, but they exist all the same. See if you can relate to any of these…
12 Rules of the Operating Room
#1 – Don’t be late – ever. But if you are, it’s always anesthesia’s fault. 😉
#2 – Never argue with the board runner. Unless losing battles is your thing, then go for it.
#3 – Never steal equipment from another O.R. – get to work early so you can get all of your equipment and protect it from the thieving masses.
#4 – Never position a patient incorrectly for a procedure. Or face the wrath of the surgeon who didn’t help you when they find out it’s not what they wanted.
#5 – Always, and I mean always, know what your surgeon wants before he or she wants it. You must always be a mind reader.
#6 – Always keep your cloth hat covered with a bouffant, and don’t even think about wearing a skull cap behind the red line. It’s the latest unforgivable sin.
#7 – Never forget the music. And don’t forget Dr. Intensity’s favorite station because he gets “so annoyed” when you ask him.
#8 – Medical Students/Residents: Never assume that the scrub has opened your gloves. Really, if this is your first time in their room, how would they even know your glove size?
#9 – Surgeons: Do not deem your add-on case a level 1 emergency just so you don’t have to wait to operate. Save the emergency classification for real emergencies.
#10 – The Time-Out is the most sacred of all events that occurs in surgery – always observe it.
#11 – Never, Never, NEVER touch, reach across, reach over, or get too close to anything blue. Don’t contaminate a sterile field – your scrub will hate you. And so will everyone else when they hear about it later.
#12 – Don’t abuse your ability to call-in. Everyone gets sick. No one gets sick every time they’re scheduled to work late or be on call.
I hope you enjoyed this list. Is there a rule you think is missing? Share it in the comments! I’d love to hear what you would add 😂
Melanie