Succeeding in the OR...

Have you ever read a job descriptions and been overwhelmed by the length of assigned tasks for the position?  I can't even read the list...not because I can't read...but because I feel completely overwhelmed by it.  I can only image how the staff member assigned to all those tasks feels.  From my experience, people need a short list of 3-5 things that will enable them to succeed in their job.  I developed the short list for operating room staff and have run it by several "demanding" surgeons.  They loved it!  So here are my tips for success as an operating room team member:

1. Show up physicially, mentally and emotionally ready to work.  Sure we all have our bad days and fulfilling this objective can be hard.  However, mastering your emotions is critical for success no matter what you do.
2. Double check the supplies picked for your cases, make sure the sets are complete and the equipment is functioning before the case starts.  There is nothing worse for a surgeon than being in the middle of the case and learning that something is missing and not available. Staff should be given 30-60 minutes at the beginning of their day to review their assigned cases and make sure they have everything.  My general rule is that the scrub techs are responsible for reviewing the supplies, sets and equipment prior to the case but the circulating nurse assigned to the room is ultimately accountable.
3. Stay engaged in the case.  I realize some cases, such as cosmetic cases require less of the staff then others and consequently, it is more difficult to stay engaged.  However, if staying engaged is essential to learn the case and the surgeon's preferences. 
4. Anticipate the surgeons needs.  Surgeons love it when the tech hands them the next instrument without them having to ask for it.  It gives them confidence in the staff which enables them to relax and just focus on doing the case.  This is a more advanced skill for most staff because it takes time to learn the case and the surgeon's preferences.  OR staff that don't staff engaged in the case will never be able to do it.  It's the difference between someone good and someone that is great.
5. Turn the room quickly.  Surgeons want to get in and out as quickly as possible or to do as many cases as possible in one day.  The staff of one surgeon told me that the surgeon liked our facility a lot because he do 5 cases in a day rather than 3 elsewhere in the same amount of time.  That means a lot to your busy surgeons!

I realize there are several steps within each of these steps, but categorizing the steps into 5 simple objectives makes it easy for your staff to focus and perform better.  When your staff perform better everyone is happy, including them.