When faced with a surgical problem, most people are not exactly sure how to find the right surgeon. We rely on our primary caregivers, family, or friends’ recommendations to help point us in the right direction. Unfortunately, friends, family, and primary caregivers never see the inside of an operating theater. They have no way of knowing what goes on in there. What is the demeanor? What is the relationship between the surgeon and the team? Is it a friendly team environment or one that is plagued by stress and “command & control” style behaviors?
The “operating theatre” was a non-sterile theater where students and other spectators could watch surgeons perform surgery, but they are no longer in use. Thankfully, contemporary operating rooms are devoid of a theatre setting and are aseptic, giving patients and surgeons the best possible environment for a successful surgery.
We assemble our team in the operating room carefully as every person has an essential and equally important role. Our surgical team methodically plans your surgery; in fact, at least 25-30 people have “touched” your surgical plan before you even come to the facility. Then, once you’re in the operating room, we take a team approach to give you the best outcome possible. We take our team seriously, invest in their wellbeing, and appreciate the work they do for you every day because we could not perform to our highest standards if we were without them.
“The strength of our team allows us to combine our individual talents for the patient’s best outcome,” says Mitch Wagner, CTS, a surgical technician at Day Surgery at RiverBend. Born and raised on a cattle farm in central Oregon, he understands that your team’s success relies on the feeling that your coworkers are like your family. When you know and care about each other, it is easier to create synergy, which makes an operation like a dance. There is a blend of well-rehearsed and improvised moves. The result is fun to watch, and the patient’s excellent outcome is profoundly fulfilling.
Heather Bowles, RN, BSN, CNOR, and OR charge nurse at Day Surgery, says, “Our team, and what we do together in the operating room is magical. Our patients are in their most vulnerable place throughout their journey as they enter our world. They aren’t able to fight or advocate for themselves, but we are, and we do, with excellence. We unite as their voice and fight for them. For me, it’s the most rewarding part of being in the operating room.”
We, at OSW, could not be more proud of our surgical teams. They are diligent, reliable, talented, and kind. They are accountable to each other, but most importantly, our patients can count on them. They help us do our best. So when you are contemplating your surgical needs, rest assured, if you choose an Oregon Surgical Wellness Specialist, you will not just be in the hands of your well-trained surgeon; the ever essential hands that you don’t see are there for you too.
(1.) Investigating Teamwork in the Operating Room, Engaging Stakeholders and Setting the Agenda Surg. 2017;152(1):109-111