Raising children is a full time job. As I’m sitting here trying to write something encouraging for Mother’s Day, I’ve fussed at one child for not doing one of his chores like he was supposed to, reminded another (for the 3rd time) that he needs to brush his teeth, and my daughter is getting ready… Read More Being a Mom Isn’t Easy
This post contains affiliate links How do you feel about taking call? Do you love it or hate it? I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who doesn’t have a strong opinion about it. But for most surgical facilities, taking call is just part of the job. We don’t always love it, but we also… Read More Managing Call Schedules – There’s a Better Way
My very first post when I started this blog was called “10 Things I Learned in the Operating Room.“ It probably wasn’t my most well-written post – I’ve learned so much since I started this blog 3 years ago. But, with the anniversary of The Circulating Life approaching, I thought it would be fun to… Read More 11 More Things I Learned in the OR
A few months ago, I posted this graphic to my Facebook page: In general, I was expecting comments like, “Keep your belly button clean!” or “Never come back to the room with one of anything – always bring two!” And, yes, there were plenty of comments like that, but… I also got an overwhelming number… Read More The Truth About Bad Behavior in the OR
A couple of years ago, on a day like any other day in the OR, a patient was rolled into the room, put to sleep, and positioned for surgery. Their leg was prepped and draped, and everyone in the room was ready to start the procedure. The circulator called for the time-out, and as the… Read More A Proper Time-Out is Always Best Practice
Happy New Year! I hope that you had a fun (and safe) time celebrating the end of 2020. I enjoyed a great evening with my family and I’m definitely looking forward to a better and brighter 2021. As we start off the new year, I am so excited to finally be able to tell you… Read More Introducing First Case – A New Podcast for the OR
2020 has been anything but normal, hasn’t it? “Normal” seems to be a thing of the past, and it seems that every day presents new challenges and new changes to the ways that we care for our patients. We’ve dealt with frequent policy changes, reassignments (sometimes without adequate training), inadequate PPE, constant supply shortages, and… Read More You Must Make Yourself a Priority
It’s been a crazy year. 2020 has been a roller coaster ride of epic proportions, and I know that it hasn’t been an easy year for any of us. And yet, in all of the chaos, there are still so many reasons to be thankful. Wherever you find yourself toady, take a moment to remember… Read More Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Perioperative Nurses’ Week! I hope that this has been a week full of recognition and appreciation for all of your hard work and dedication. In honor of the unique nature of our jobs, I’ve written a lighthearted poem about O.R. nurses. I chose to write it in the style of Dr. Seuess – since… Read More Happy Perioperative Nurses’ Week!
Orientation in the Operating Room (OR) is tough. There’s no other way to put it. The days are hard and the environment is overwhelming. You can be reduced to tears without warning due to frustration, anxiety, fear, attitudes of others, or just the sheer amount of information you’re expected to take in. And in such… Read More How to Survive an Intense Orientation in the OR