Review of original objectives

When I heard of the opportunity to fulfill my practicum requirements in the Operating room I jumped at the chance. I knew this environment would challenge me and help me progress in unique ways other clinical rotations would not have. I have been very fortunate to have been matched with a preceptor that has challenged me in many ways and is always pushing me to be my very best. Upon meeting her we both discussed realistic goals that were attainable given the timeframe we would spend together. Upon completion of my practicum I would be able to apply and demonstrate the principles of aseptic technique, identify the roles and responsibilities that are necessary to provide safe and professional nursing care to surgical …show more content…
Preoperatively I go and assess the patient and conduct pre op interviews. I than help prepare the operating room, equipment, opening supplies and tools. I even assists with the induction of anesthesia and help position the patient. During surgery, I may add sterile supplies to the count sheet as necessary and monitor intravenous fluids or drainage bags. I count instruments and dressings with the scrub tech to ensure nothing is left inside the patient. When the surgery ends, I help transfer the patient to the recovery unit, and provide the PACU nurse with a report of the operation and the patient’s condition and then assist with clean-up in the operating room. In some cases I have even been able to scrub in. I am able to even glove and gown myself without any assistance. When scrubbed in I will help hold retractors and grab surgical instrumentation that the surgeons may request. I even aseptically prep most of the patient’s surgical sites. My documentation skills have progressed to the point where I am doing all the documentation through all three phases of perioperative care than Megan will review my work. I have even developed my delegation skills. As a student nurse I found it very awkward and strange telling other staff member to do things for me. But as the staff and I have built rapport it has become a much easier tool to use. When the case is over my task it to help anesthesia extubate the patient. So I delegate tasks such as calling PACU, grabbing warm blankets, grabbing the bed and bring the specimen to