I realize that National Surgical Technologist Week was last week, but honestly, you deserve to be celebrated and appreciated every week! I wanted to take some time today to add my thoughts and thanks to the surgical techs that I've had the privilege of working with over the years, and to recognize the significant contribution that all surgical techs make to improving patient outcomes.
But, I’m going to start with a confession:
When I started in the OR as a nurse in 2008 I had no idea what a surgical technologist, or scrub tech, was. Not a single clue. I had observed surgeries in nursing school, and I even did my preceptorship in the OR, but the specialty team I did my preceptorship with was an all-nurse team. Because of that, I didn’t really interact with scrub techs during that time. It wasn’t until after graduation, when I started working as a nurse in the OR did I learn about all the other roles that play an important part in the OR – including the role of surgical technologist.
I decided that I wanted to mix up, though, and not just include another story. But, how was I going to do that? I began to just write down my thoughts and the words began to rhyme. Then, I found myself intentionally trying to rhyme, and the next thing I knew, I had a poem that described how hardworking and appreciated our surgical techs are! So, here’s to all of the surgical technologists out there… This poem’s for you!
Ode to the Scrub Tech
In the OR, all gowned up in blue,
There stands a professional who knows what to do.
They’re checking the cards to see what they need,
So a patient’s surgery can safely proceed.
They’ve got the instruments and all the supplies,
And they’ve looked to see they are not compromised.
Now it’s off to the sinks, it’s time to scrub in,
They ensure the germs are removed from their skin.
Into the OR they make their way,
They quickly set up so there is no delay.
They line up their instruments with caution and care,
They organize gowns and gloves that others will wear.
We count all the items, I give them the meds,
The OR is ready for what is ahead.
Here comes the patient into the room,
Their face says they’re scared, it looks full of gloom.
“The OR is scary, or so it can seem,
But don’t be afraid, you have a wonderful team!”
Once the patient’s asleep, and ready to go,
It’s time for the scrub to step into the show.
The drapes are applied and the cords are all ready,
No break in sterility, because that could be deadly.
Here’s come the surgeon ready to work,
The scrub works with him often, so they know all his quirks.
One look at the Mayo shows we’re ready to go,
And the scrub tech knows they can go with the flow.
“Here are your pickups, scissors, and clamp,
And your Gelfoam’s already the size of a stamp.”
The scrub can anticipate every demand,
And they’re two steps ahead with every demand.
Finally, the case begins to wind down,
The doctor breaks scrub and takes off his gown.
The scrub is still there to keep all things in line,
And the counts are correct so all is divine!
Our wonderful scrub has done a great job,
And the organized back table shows that they’re no slob.
As we finish the case and get ready to leave,
One look at the room makes it easy to see -
Our scrubs are important, they’re part of our team,
Their knowledge and skill make cases a dream.
Thank you!
Without you I wouldn’t be the scrub nurse I am today. I have learned so much from the scrubs I have worked with over the years. You are the ones who showed me how important it is to keep a neat field. You have been the ones who showed me the importance of knowing what instruments I should have in my set, and you taught me to recognize when I’m missing something. You are the ones who really taught me the skill of anticipation. So thank you! For taking the time to invest in me, for your patience as you teach others, and for everything you do each day for our patients!
Keep up the great work,
Lindsey
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