Question for those who shadow doctors: scrubbing in?

[xpinchx]

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Thursday morning I'm shadowing an anesthesiologist I know through a friend. I called him yesterday to set up a day and time. After we got that settled I asked what I should wear. He just told me to just wear some comfortable shoes, he'll have me in scrubs within a few minutes of arrival. I ask what time, he said "get here as early as possible. 5 would be good, I want to get you in on the good surgeries." I'm like

.

"You mean to like, watch surgeries?"

He comes back "No, I'm going to get you to scrub in with the residents."

This caught me off guard. Do you guys normally get to scrub in when you shadow the doctors?

 

[afterthought]

Thursday morning I'm shadowing an anesthesiologist I know through a friend. I called him yesterday to set up a day and time. After we got that settled I asked what I should wear. He just told me to just wear some comfortable shoes, he'll have me in scrubs within a few minutes of arrival. I ask what time, he said "get here as early as possible. 5 would be good, I want to get you in on the good surgeries." I'm like

.

"You mean to like, watch surgeries?"

He comes back "No, I'm going to get you to scrub in with the residents."

This caught me off guard. Do you guys normally get to scrub in when you shadow the doctors?

When I worked in an OR, the only folks that scrubbed in were the techs, PAs and surgeons. But this was at a community hospital.

That sounds amazing, though. Have you ever been in an OR before?

 

[NjD00]

Some do, some don't. It depends on how cool, and also how trusting they are of you. I've scrubbed in for 2-3 total hips and at least a couple scope procedures. Also am scrubbing in for a CABG next week.

 

[davee]

i shadowed an orthopedic surgeon, and he had me scrub in quite a few times and help him out, based on what my friends told me, its rare to be allowed to scrub in. the hospital staff wasnt too happy about it either.

 

[Law2Doc]

Thursday morning I'm shadowing an anesthesiologist I know through a friend. I called him yesterday to set up a day and time. After we got that settled I asked what I should wear. He just told me to just wear some comfortable shoes, he'll have me in scrubs within a few minutes of arrival. I ask what time, he said "get here as early as possible. 5 would be good, I want to get you in on the good surgeries." I'm like

.

"You mean to like, watch surgeries?"

He comes back "No, I'm going to get you to scrub in with the residents."

This caught me off guard. Do you guys normally get to scrub in when you shadow the doctors?

Don't expect to do too much.

 

[StritchMD2011]

It really depends on the doctor and the nature of the procedure. I got to scrub in and assist in an organ procurement operation (liver, kidneys), with a transplant fellow. They wouldn't even let me in the OR when they were actually transplanting them into a patient, though...

 

[xpinchx]

When I worked in an OR, the only folks that scrubbed in were the techs, PAs and surgeons. But this was at a community hospital.

That sounds amazing, though. Have you ever been in an OR before?

Only once as a patient. I know most of the proper scrubbing techniques because I work in a hospital and I got to watch an "impropmtu" surgery in the ICU. I was just surprised that he was going to let me in on surgeries and he barely knows me.

 

[xpinchx]

Don't expect to do too much.

I don't really expect to do anything really. I'm excited just to stand around and watch! I would be competely honored and overwhelmed if I held a retractor or something.

 

[MDtobe!]

I scrubbed in on a few orthopedic surgeries. I did not expect it at all, he was a very nice surgeon. He even let me assist, holding the skin apart with retractors and such. Fun!
It took a while to get used to keeping my hands above waist level though.
Congratulations on getting the oppurtunity!

 

[runningmom]

That's great!! Congrats on the opportunity.

One piece of advise I got from a wonderful friend and my mentor on this crazy journey - a true surgeon wanna-be never passes up the opportunity to scrub in.

 

[Tyronebiggums]

Thursday morning I'm shadowing an anesthesiologist I know through a friend. I called him yesterday to set up a day and time. After we got that settled I asked what I should wear. He just told me to just wear some comfortable shoes, he'll have me in scrubs within a few minutes of arrival. I ask what time, he said "get here as early as possible. 5 would be good, I want to get you in on the good surgeries." I'm like

.

"You mean to like, watch surgeries?"

He comes back "No, I'm going to get you to scrub in with the residents."

This caught me off guard. Do you guys normally get to scrub in when you shadow the doctors?

I have scrubbed in everytime I have observed surgeries. The doctors may want to stop in the middle of the surgery to explain to you what they are doing and it helps if you can be right by their side. I also helped clean operating rooms after the procedures were over so I needed to be scrubbed in just to be allowed to do that. You are lucky this doctor is treating you like a resident. A few doctors once asked me to scrub in and hold the scope during a lap chole case because they were a nurse short. The nursing supervisor wouldn't let me hold the scope because I wasn't licensed and the liability if something went wrong during the case could be significant. I do think though that because you are shadowing an anesthesiologist you won't get a chance to help out in an invasive procedure anyway so putting you with the residents isn't risky. You will probably just get to follow him around and he will explain what he is doing for you and the residents. It is a great opportunity.

 

[dpmd]

Back when I was a pre-med I got to scrub in a lot. Generally it was just so I could see more easily (I wasn't doing much assisting, but when you are scrubbed you get a much better view). The rules on it varies with the hospital, but they way one surgeon I worked for got around it was by sort of misrepresenting my credentials. There is not really to much you can mess up if you follow instructions and don't freak out.

A couple of tips for first timers
Say hi to the scrub tech and offer to get your gloves and gown (if you don't know your glove size they can likely guess it)

If you don't know the procedure for the actual scrub ask (they will probably walk you through it)

Once you are dressed an ready to go keep your hands between your belly button and clavicle (the prayer position is a good one if you don't know what to with your hands)

If something starts to fall there are rules for when it is catchable and when you should just let it drop, it might be simpler to just let everything drop (if it goes below your waist it is generally considered contaminated, but it also depends on what part of the drape it hits and other things)

If you feel faint step back and scrub out if need be. Embarassment from this is much less than the problems fainting into the field will bring

Good luck all.

 

[ratjo077]

Scrubbed in on a couple total knee replacements at a community hospital. I've gotten to be in the OR a lot for other types of surgeries though. CABG was the best by far.

 

[MossPoh]

I "scrubbed in" a few times...but it was just so i could get comfortably close to the sterile field and see more, and just for the general experience. The problem with that is that when you shadow at a hospital, even with permission from the Doc you still need to sign paperwork. One of which is usually saying you won't do anything as far as that goes for the sake of liability... In the ER I was allowed to do some stuff but they basically shut the door/blinds, got the patient and significant other to sign paperwork and then verified verbally whether it was ok or not to help. That was just using a doppler to find a pulse, stethoscope, setting a fractured arm, and other stuff like that. The scrub tech would let me mess around a little with the tools since I was sterile, and hand a thing every now and then but much more than that was a big big no no. The general rule, at least for me, was stay out of the way as much as possible but make sure they know you are interested in anything and everything. A routine procedure is still exciting your first, second and third time seeing it. Befriend the scrubtechs, PAs and other people. Joke around with nurses. Being open and friendly to everyone gets more access than knowing the doctor....and you get to hear other aspects of medicine/hospital social interactions.

 

[maestro1625]

I got to go in and watch an open heart procedure last spring break... I think they basically just told me to wash your hands and DONT TOUCH ANYTHING!

 

[youngnflyy]

Yeah, scrubbin in is coo. This past summer I scrubbed in and was able to watch a couple of child births, and the removal of a cancerous kidney. It's definetly interesting to see. My best advice is to make sure that your shoes are comfortable as some procedures can literally go on and on forever. Also, make sure that you have something to eat beforehand, especially if you've never scrubbed in before. The things you see quite possiby could make you sick if you haven't eaten.

 

[Smiles91084]

Yeah I scrubbed in. Didn't get to assist or touch anything really, but yeah I scrubbed in. They have to keep everything sterile. They don't want any part of me left behind anywhere in that OR.

 

[KittycooMD]

Who here has scubbed in for a C-Section? It was awesome! The wanna-be doc in me was mesmerized!...but the future mother in me was thinking "OW!"
Blood and guts, autopsies, any other surgeries NEVER bother me; I love watching! But knowing that I'm tiny and someday I'll have the C-Section done to me...yikes.

 

[45408]

nope, never scrubbed in. read panda bear's blog about what to do though when you are scrubbed in (can't itch yourself)

 

[MossPoh]

Who here has scubbed in for a C-Section? It was awesome! The wanna-be doc in me was mesmerized!...but the future mother in me was thinking "OW!"
Blood and guts, autopsies, any other surgeries NEVER bother me; I love watching! But knowing that I'm tiny and someday I'll have the C-Section done to me...yikes.

I think a lot of those gynecological procedures seem brutal in general. I saw a couple of hysterectomies and some minor things. It was actually one reason I don't want to do obgyn (besides the standard reasons). I just dont care for their surgical technique as much. Interesting but damn that was a lot of blood, and very interesting jokes.

 

[alpinesunrise]

Each hospital has its own rules as far as who can do what. But, don't expect to touch any instruments -- mostly scrubbing will allow you to see things up close and personal. I worked in an OR for two summers through an internship program. I scrubbed several times, depending on how well I knew the surgeon. Don't sweat it too much (actually, it'd be best if you don't sweat at all, that was always a problem for me 🙂). However, do EXACTLY what they tell you to do, and right away. The person who is probably going to be the most untrusting is the circulator; don't get him/her ticked off.

Enjoy! have fun.

 

[alpinesunrise]

Oh, one other thing. Several have mentioned the "don't touch anything" rule which is extremely important. However, most people's natural inclanation when they're not supposed to touch anything is to do one of many things, none of which are an option when you're scrubbed in: Put your hands behind your back, put them at your side, hold them in close, etc. Everyone will be much more at ease with you if you put your hands way out on the field where they're in plain view. That way they can see that you're not doing something wrong with your hands. It feels weird, but do it.

 

[Dookter]

I scrubbed in for some surgeries while shadowing an anethesiologist in undergrad. The first thing I did was walk right into the OR to watch an open heart surgery. I was standing right at the head of the bed, literally right above the patient's head leaning right over the chest cavity watching. It was a pretty amazing opportunity. In one night alone I was in two open hearts, like 3 orthopedic surgeries, and one emergency C-section for a baby with gastroscisis. It was pretty cool.

 

[triniman]

yeah, as a couple people before said - do not touch anything. The first time I scrubbed in I touched an electrical wire from the ceiling and I became "contaminated" so I had to remove everthing and step away from the operating table. Scrubbing in is the best thing, try to ask questions if you can, they love that. I got to scrub in at a teaching hospital so they let me do all sorts of things, for ex. the resident taught me how to suture!
Have fun and keep your hand above your waist and within the width of your body!!

 

[45408]

I scrubbed in for some surgeries while shadowing an anethesiologist in undergrad. The first thing I did was walk right into the OR to watch an open heart surgery. I was standing right at the head of the bed, literally right above the patient's head leaning right over the chest cavity watching. It was a pretty amazing opportunity.

Just in case anyone is wondering, you can still do that without being scrubbed in. I was literally standing on a little stepstool leaning over the cardiac surgeon's shoulder to watch him put in a new valve, and I wasn't scrubbed in any more than I scrub in to go to the bathroom.

 

[JennyB]

All your stories sound soooo awesome! Do you guys usually ask people you know to shadow them? Or do you e-mail a surgeon that you don't know that works at the nearby hospital if you can shadow them?

 

[xpinchx]

All your stories sound soooo awesome! Do you guys usually ask people you know to shadow them? Or do you e-mail a surgeon that you don't know that works at the nearby hospital if you can shadow them?

I've shadowed my family doctor (not that exciting) and this aneshtesiologist is someone I know through networking. I've only actually met him once and I doubt he would even remember me if it weren't for the fact that I had a sling/cast on when he met me. But he's one of my good friends' dad.

 

[mshheaddoc]

I'm still waiting for the C-section scrub in. I wouldn't scrub in though just wear mask, hat, gloves, and gown and just watch since its sterile room. Plus I'm on the NICU side of things so its a little different. But I'm still waiting for that emergency c-section!!

 

[silverlining1]

My best advice is to make sure that your shoes are comfortable as some procedures can literally go on and on forever.

WORD. I often see surgeons wearing those funky plastic/rubber Croc sandals, or some other sort of comfortable closed-toe shoes.

I shadowed a thoracic surgeon through a program at my school, and it was a wonderful experience. I had to go through health clearance and HIPAA (or whatever the acronym is) training, and then I got a badge that meant I was cleared to be in surgeries and see patients. I scrubbed in for several neat procedures such as lung lobectomies... my first time, they gave me an X-Large scrub outfit (I'm a petite female) and when I turned around, part of my outfit brushed the wall. Had to go through it again... but apparently only 2 times isn't bad for the first go!

My surgeon took the time to point anatomical features out to me, and she let me reach into the patient and feel the ribs. I also got to touch the lung and feel the tumor, and I even got to tie some sutures!

 

[youngnflyy]

I scrubbed in on a C-section once. It was an interesting experience. I was feeling sorry for the woman who was having the procedure, as she was sick the entire time. The Obstertricians really got upset because whenever they tried to get started she kept complaining that she could feel everything that was going on. Another interesting thing that happened one while I was watching a surgery was that after they had finished and began the count of the instruments they had used, the attending asked a couple of interns who were doing the suturing how many instruments had been used, and they could not come up with the correct answer, so he got annoyed and spent at least 20 minutes lecturing them on malpractice insurance.

 

[Dimness]

DONT TOUCH ANYTHING!

Best advice ever. If you have to put your hands somewhere, interlock your fingers in front of your body.

 

[630670]

I scrubbed in when I shadowed a neurosurgeon...the hospital staff, especially the nurses weren't too thrilled about me being there.

yes, and def. don't touch anything

 

[CardiacIntensivist]

I wish I got to scrub in! I got to stand right by the table during a few surgeries but that scrub nurse kept nagging me to keep off the sterile field.

 

[Dimness]

the hospital staff, especially the nurses weren't too thrilled about me being there.

I had this experience too. To be specific, I actually got kicked out of some surgery observations. What was the reason? I didn't receive consent to be in the room.

 

[riceman04]

Thursday morning I'm shadowing an anesthesiologist I know through a friend. I called him yesterday to set up a day and time. After we got that settled I asked what I should wear. He just told me to just wear some comfortable shoes, he'll have me in scrubs within a few minutes of arrival. I ask what time, he said "get here as early as possible. 5 would be good, I want to get you in on the good surgeries." I'm like

.

"You mean to like, watch surgeries?"

He comes back "No, I'm going to get you to scrub in with the residents."

This caught me off guard. Do you guys normally get to scrub in when you shadow the doctors?

I did...when I shadowed this orthopod...very awesome experience! ENJOY

 

[DoctorPardi]

Your scrubbing in or not depends on a lot of things. Mainly hospital policy and second how cool or trusting the surgeon you'll be working with is.

I've "scrubbed in" before and stood right in the sterile field and basically watched up close, but I worked at that hospital in the OR anyway.

Another time I wanted to scrub with a surgeon I had shadowed for a while and to do so it took like a 2 month application process to be credentialed as someone appropriate for "scrubbing in". So it didn't make any sense for me to try to scrub at that hospital.

So it varies, really, I doubt you'll do anything, because you will not know sterile procedure, but it will probably be a lot of fun to get gowned up and be so close to the action.

Also, don't touch anything!! lol Do exactly what people tell you to, and do it slow and make sure you heard them correctly. Do not touch anything blue in an OR lol. If you have sterile gloves on, clasp your hands together in front of your chest as if you were praying and do not move them. You don't want to contaminate yourself and look stupid. Also, don't touch the back of your gown with your gloves either.

 

[youngnflyy]

The absolute most important thing that you should remember not to do is....DO NOT EAT JUNIOR MINTS IN AN OPERATING ROOM! Yes they may be refreshing, but don't do it. Especially if you have butterfingers! haha

 

[IckeyShuffle]

The absolute most important thing that you should remember not to do is....DO NOT EAT JUNIOR MINTS IN AN OPERATING ROOM! Yes they may be refreshing, but don't do it. Especially if you have butterfingers! haha

isnt it illegal to touch the patient or anything related to the patient. I thought you had to be licensed.

 

[Depakote]

The absolute most important thing that you should remember not to do is....DO NOT EAT JUNIOR MINTS IN AN OPERATING ROOM! Yes they may be refreshing, but don't do it. Especially if you have butterfingers! haha

actually, if you have butterfingers, you can eat those...

Now to the OP, just a clarification. It sounds like you'll be wearing surgical scrubs, cap, mask, etc. and standing in the back. You won't be actually "scrubbing up" or doing anything. This is what most people that have shadowed surgeons have done.

To echo some advise and add some of my own:

-Touch nothing (especially anything blue [sterile] or red [biohazzard])
-Do nothing
-See as much as you can, but don't get in the way
-Say/ask nothing until the patient is under (this is important)
-There is one nurse that runs the whole show do everything she says and don't make her mad

 

[Depakote]

isnt it illegal to touch the patient or anything related to the patient. I thought you had to be licensed.

Um what?

I work with patients all the time and I'm not "licensed".

 

[MossPoh]

isnt it illegal to touch the patient or anything related to the patient. I thought you had to be licensed.

That is kind of vague. I had a patient grab my hand as they woke up. I don't think that is something a lawsuit could be based on. Medical students aren't technically licensed I believe either. I think it is just generally a no no to do anything procedural to a patient....our docs went crazy protective before I did even basic stuff.It also depends on the the kind of regional mentality with lawsuits. If you are in a more sue happy state like florida then they may be a little more hesitant for you to get as involved than say idaho.