Medical students. Orientation to the operating room

Until fairly recently, the orientation was one hour in length and held every two months. With the support of the director of the third-year surgery clerks at our hospital, the time was increased to two hours. The orientation program is evaluated orally. Several weeks after each session, three nurses meet informally with three students to discuss the program. The students have responded positively to the program and have said they feel better about the OR, are not so scared of not knowing anything, and know that the OR nurses are there to help. The nursing staff, too, has indicated its approval. They feel more secure with the students and say the students are communicating better with them, are asking more questions, take their advice, and are friendlier. It is hoped that this brief introduction to the surgical suite is meaningful for the students, and that they feel more relaxed because of the confidence gained from familiarity with the OR. It is also hoped that through this training, they will give better patient care, support the OR nurses, and work efficiently as members of the team. We think this can only lead to mutual professional respect.