Case Preparation
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What are some of the routines you have to prepare for surgery? What do you expect in terms of preparation from your team members, especially those who will be in the field directly assisting you?
Your 'Uniform'
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Do you always wear the same PPE and 'gear' - most surgeons tend to be very 'ritualistic' - anything unique about your gear worth noting - do you wear the ortho hood space suits? What goes through your mind as you are scrubbing-in and getting gloved-and-gowned?
Setting the Tone
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How do you set the tone for your O.R? What type of tone / vibe do you want in the room once the case starts?
Underperforming Team Members
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How do you deal with underperforming team members, especially those that are directly assisting you? Will you let them know during the case - is it verbal or will they just know based on non-verbal communication?
Adverse Events
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How do you stay poised when a patient is not doing well on the table? Anything special you do and will you get more tense with the team - will you raise your voice or snap at people?
Team 'Pet Peeves'
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What are some 'pet peeves' that you have in the O.R. with your team members that drives you crazy (i.e., side chatter, etc.)? How do you address it?
Intraoperative Resuscitation (If Applicable)
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Hopefully very rare, but do you ever have patients code on the table? How do you handle yourself and your team during such stress?
Female in a Male Specialty?
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What has it been like being a successful surgeon in a male specialty? Any advice for future women who want to pursue the specialty?
As an O.R. Nurse, I find it very disrespectful when team members don't address the surgeon properly with "Doctor", "Yes, Doctor", etc.
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Do you agree since you have worked so hard to earn that title and how would you address a team member that showed that type of disrespect?
Any Other Info?
Are there any other things you'd like to share about how you run your surgical team or perspectives on how a well-run surgical team is managed to help Operating Room Nurses and other support team members?
