NursingLink

The circulating nurse will position you where you would most likely be able to see a procedure, so you'll be out of the way. Why you don't want to go there is beyond me, but I love the OR. The surgeon, hopefully will like to teach and will explain what is going on. If for any reason, you feel sick, faint etc, go sit down or stand against a wall away from the OR field. Stay at least 18 inches from any of the OR sterile fields. The OR is a very controlled area in that bleeding is kept to a minimum, everything is covered so only a small area is actually visible, again this depends on what procedure you see. It can also be very noisy, with the anesthesia machines, electric cautery, suction going. If you are fortunate enough to see a laparoscopic procedure, you'll see far more and it will seem like you're watching TV.

most procedures do not last hours at a time, unless it neurosurgery or hearts. laparoscopic choles are done in under an hour. A hysterectomy is usually done in two hours. Yes in fact the circulating nurse will tell you to leave if you can't tolerate it. You need to keep an open mind and watch and see what these nurses do, so you have a greater understanding what goes on in the OR.