Where do I go on OR day?
KGH
- OR: Connell 2
- Scrubs: there is a Scrub-Ex dispensing machine on Connell 5 (requires KGH badge and code for access). Max 2 sets of scrubs can be taken out at any one time, for use in hospital
HDH
- OR: Take the stairs to the right of the main entrance to the second floor, then go left
- Scrubs: no Scrub-Ex machines, but scrubs of all sizes are available in the change rooms for use in hospital
How do I scrub in?
"Scrubbing in" involves performing aseptic techniques so that you can assist in the OR -- perhaps one of the coolest things about being a QMed student! In order to scrub in, you have to receive the proper training. Here's how:
- Once you've set up your first observership, contact Kristen Bolton at 613-549-6666, ext. 6420. She will arrange for you to be trained the day of your observership.
- Before your observership, use the following resources to get yourself ready for training
General Tips:
- Don't be afraid to ask what cases you will be observing beforehand. Surgeons will usually be able to tell you in advance what procedures they'll be doing, which gives you time to read around the cases, look up the relevant anatomy, and get much more out of the observership.
- Show up a bit early. This will give you time to change into scrubs, take a few deep breaths, and find your way to the right spot!
- Take some time before going into the OR to look around the surgery department. Where are the change rooms? Washrooms? Nurse and physician lounges? Are certain surgical suites used for particular specialties? Often, there will also be a whiteboard that has the day's procedures listed on it and the names of the physicians in charge. Look around! Inform yourself! You just might find a name that leads you to your next observership.
- Some of the change rooms have lockers that you can use. Bring your own lock.
- Bring water. Keep granola bars in your scrub pockets. Use the washroom before and in-between procedures.
- Carry a notepad that you can scribble in during the procedures.
- Try to find out who is in the OR with you. The OR is a busy place -- nurses, doctors, clerks, residents and more! Even knowing who the circulating and scrub nurses are can make a huge difference; they're excellent people to ask questions about where to stand and how to participate, even if you are just observing and not actually "scrubbing in" (assisting). Surgical suites also have small whiteboards listing the people who are in the room with you. There might even be a spot for your name, too! If there is, don't hesitate to fill it in. If the surgeon has agreed to let you scrub in, you can jot your your glove size (if you know it) down beside your name, as a courtesy to the nurses who will be grabbing gloves and gown on your behalf.
- A lot of effort and resources goes into facilitating student observerships, so be sure to thank everyone before you leave for the day -- that includes the clerks, residents and nurses!
Scrubbing in is a pleasure and a privilege. Be ready to learn, and have fun!
The QSIG Team
