5 + 1 Types of Work Surgical Team Members Do in the Operating Room

Everyone is an indispensable part of the bigger goal - the health and safety of the patient. 

1. Surgeon

There are many specialties in the field of surgery. For example, we can mention neurosurgeons performing brain and nervous system treatment, or cardiovascular surgeons who specialize in heart or artery operations.
The surgeon and the first surgical assistant (second if needed) are sterile members of the team. They wear special sterile gowns, gloves, masks, and hats, as they immediately surround the patient. Using various instruments, they correct anatomical deformities, repair or replace tissue and bones after injuries, or they perform preventative surgeries.

2. Scrub nurse

For all surgical procedures there is a sterile member called the scrub nurse or surgical technologist to organize the instruments and pass it to the surgeon when needed. He or she is in the charge of the Mayo stand (the sterile tray with the instruments).

3. Circulating nurse

In every surgical team, there is a non-sterile circulating nurse who is responsible for setting up the room and supervises cleaning after the procedure. He or she is also in responsible for the equipment. When something special is needed during the operation, this member arranges it.

4. Anesthesiologist

The anesthesiologist is a non-sterile member responsible for the patient’s anesthesia during the surgery. This doctor administers the appropriate anesthesia and then remains by the patient’s head, and monitors their vital signs (pulse, ECG, oxygen etc.). He or she also makes sure the straps are not too tight and that the patient’s body is not stretched or contorted. Never touch the anesthesiologist’s equipment, the doctor may not see if you have accidentally changed some settings which could cause a very serious problem during the surgery.

5. The hospital staff

The technicians setting up the devices which monitor the vital functions, the cleaners getting the room ready for surgeries, or the laundry staff providing clean clothing to the hospital; these people tend to be forgotten by the general public. Without these people the hospital would not be able to function. Can you imagine a busy surgeon mopping the floor after the surgery, repairing the X-ray machine before diagnosing the patient’s broken bone, or washing and ironing his lab coat after their shift? Everyone in the hospital is an irreplaceable member of a larger team effort and cannot be ignored.

...and You

You and the other students are the non-sterile members of the team. The mentors are keen to educate their future colleagues, and they know how important it is to you. Take the initiative, ask questions and show that you are acting in an appropriate way. While observing your mentor and other experts working around you, identify the important personal qualities in yourself that will make you an excellent healthcare professional one day.

Always keep in mind that everyone is respected. You are on your placement not only to shadow your mentor, but also to watch what other staff members do. It is a perfect chance to get to understand to how important the cooperation of the whole team is. Furthermore, you will be surprised how people will treat you when you are polite, give a smile, and say hello to everyone. Are you ready to become one of the surgical team members? Discover more about the shadowing options you have.