Recent Blog articles from Being a Healthcare Student

Sterile or non-sterile – that’s the question. The surgical team consists of sterile and non-sterile members. The sterile staff is scrubbed with a special surgical gown, mask, hat, and gloves. These doctors and nurses can move only in the sterile area and can only use sterile instruments. Non-sterile members are allowed to move only in the non-sterile zone and handle equipment which is not considered sterile. They keep the surgeons supplied and deal with situations which may arise during the operation. All members participating in the operation must be excellent at communicating and operating within the team.

Studying in university or college is demanding. If you study medicine, dentistry, nursing, or any other related field, it is even harder. Your friend is having a birthday party and you have to study. Your family is going on a weekend trip and again – you have to study. You want to go to the concert of your favorite band but … We could name a lot of things that you will need to give up, but how to get over it? How to stay motivated and not feel blue about missing a few events?

Do you love medicine? Did you apply for medical school? Were you accepted? How did you react when you read your acceptance letter? Did you have a calm reaction just like Chase from Dr. House or were you more like John from Scrubs?

When it comes to the hospital work experience - a placement or an internship, it is typical that students are super excited for shadowing the surgeons in the operating rooms. Are you going to join them too? Great! After the first day in the operating room the words “incredibly cool” are truly not rare. If you are nervous, it´s perfectly natural, the key to overcome your concerns is good preparation.

Are you going to observe or follow the professionals in a clinical area for the first time? That´s awesome! As the hospital is actually a very demanding environment where everyone needs to follow specific rules – both formal and informal, you should be thoroughly prepared for it. Let´s go through the 10 tips to help you find your bearings easily on your first placement or day working in the hospital. Then, you can present yourself in the best of light straight from the start of your amazing hospital experience.