I still remember my very first time being in an operating room and seeing those scrub nurses.
It was all so different. The cold atmosphere, the harsh lighting, and the confidence of everybody around me. I tried my best to be calm and put on a brave face, though my heart was pounding and I prayed that nobody would notice.
Looking back, I realize that day was the beginning of something big.
This was the day I knew I had found my place.
Getting Hooked in the OR
Apart from reading different topics about being a scrub nurse, I knew little to nothing about them before my placement.
Like many student nurses, I assumed that all a scrub nurse had to do was pass surgical instruments to the surgeon. I saw nothing difficult about the job.
However, the more I watched the procedures, the more I began to notice how much was actually involved.
The scrub nurse seemed to always know what was needed before anybody else and had the ability to maintain a clean and safe environment throughout the procedure.
They didn’t just pass instruments, they provided care and safety to the patient by doing so.
I was very impressed by what I saw and my perception of the scrub nurse began to change.
Learning One Surgery at a Time
Every day of my student placement was a new adventure.
There were so many instruments I did not know the use of and procedures I had never seen before. I questioned if I would ever be able to retain all of this information.
There was one particular gallbladder surgery I distinctly remember.
The surgeon asked for a Metzenbaum scissors.
I proudly handed it to him.
Then he asked for something else.
I blanked.
I stood there frozen in place.
It was only for a moment, just long enough to breathe in, breathe out, and find the instrument.
I imagine the rest of the OR staff were less than happy with my little brain fart, nevertheless I was glad to have learned my lesson.
It was a sign that I had a lot to learn and there was no shame in not knowing something, just a need to learn it.
What is it really like to be a Scrub Nurse?
With every opportunity I had to assist in surgery I began to understand what it meant to be a scrub nurse.
We prepare the sterile field for use, maintain it throughout the procedure, assist with surgical counts, pass instruments, observe, and much more.
The scrub nurse position is one where a lot gets done behind the scenes to ensure the well-being of the patient.
Most patients would never know all the work that goes into their surgery. Although, I think they should.
The Little Things Matter
Something I have learned, and am still learning, is that the little things really do matter.
Whether it was double-checking an instrument, repeating a count out loud, or speaking up when something did not seem right, all of those small things add up. They add up to patient safety.
Most people think of the surgeon as the boss of the operating room, though that is far from the truth.
Every team member plays a role in making sure surgery runs smoothly.
I am proud to be a part of such a phenomenal team every day that I work in the OR.
Why I Love My Job?
The operating room can be a demanding place, as well as tiring.
Some days are busier than others and some cases can be particularly hard on the body.
Even so, I always love going to work.
I love knowing that I did something important that day.
I get to wake up and go somewhere different with new experiences every day.
Most importantly, I get to have the peace of mind knowing that I helped keep someone safe when they were at their most vulnerable. Nothing feels better than that.
For Student Nurses Considering the OR
If you are a student nurse considering working in the OR I want you to know it is nothing to be afraid of.
Everybody had to start somewhere and I understand completely.
Ask questions, take it slow, learn your instruments. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.
As time goes on, confidence will come.
For every patient you assist in surgery, for every obstacle you overcome, and for every lesson learned, you will begin to gain confidence in what you do.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes I look back on that nervous student nurse and wonder if she really belonged there.
If I could talk to her today, I would tell her to keep going.
You will have good days and bad, you will always have something to learn, but you will also surprise yourself everyday.
One of the most rewarding parts of my nursing career has been becoming a scrub nurse.
It is a career where you get to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Where you get to help keep patients safe when they need it most.
And for me, that is the best place to be.
Resources from My Blog
Other Sources
For official training and guidance, visit the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).
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