still remember my first surgical count like it was yesterday—my hands were shaking, my mind blank, and I was terrified of making a mistake. The pressure felt overwhelming, knowing a patient’s safety depended on my accuracy. But with guidance, practice, and support from my OR team, I learned to master the surgical count. In this blog post, I’m sharing everything I wish I knew back then: the step-by-step process, what items to include, when to count, and real tips that helped me stay calm and focused. If you’re new to the OR, this guide will help you feel prepared.
