Always, always help out in the OR. Not just the getting the bed, or using the little mitt. It's important to be on the look-out for things you can do to help. If you know they're going to want the blankets next, just go get them yourself before someone's looking around for it. Go get the razor if it's not already brought out. Help tie up the back of the scrub tech's gown, if you see the nurse is busy doing something else. Throw trash away for people.
I see a lot of other students just stand there when there's plenty of work to be done. But ime, those little things are really appreciated. Also, I used to always offer to write a post-op note, do post-op exam, etc. Other things you can do: volunteer to put the catheter in, iv in, etc.
Surgery is unlike other rotations where you can talk your way out of actually working & still get a good grade. 😉 It's kind of fun though, because if you anticipate what they need correctly without anyone having to ask you, they are really easily impressed. This applies for during the operation, if you have the ray-tech available before they ask for it, etc.
It's double-edged though, in that if you don't anticipate correctly & actually do something helpful, you will get in the way... and they'll tell you to get out of the way. Also, it's tricky in that some techs will let you assist with instruments (& you look like a rockstar when you can anticipate what the surgeon will need)... but a lot won't, and apparently it's bad form to do it in general... though you really do make an impression on the surgeon when you can do it!
Yeah, so basically it's not hard. Figure out where supplies are located. Go get them before someone else goes around looking for them. Help everyone in the OR, not just surgeon/residents.
