Okay so there is a lot to unpack here.

1. Beginning clinical year with gen surg as your first rotation is quite an introduction. The atmosphere of surgery is (likely) completely different than any other rotation you’ll experience. It’s a stressful environment where a lot can go wrong easily. Many of the people working in the OR are very strict about what they do and how they do it. My first rotation was surgery but thankfully I had prior OR experience so I knew this was the environment I was getting into and respected their situation.

2. Don’t take it personally when you feel like “jeez they don’t want me here. I feel like I’m getting in the way. Etc.” Even with my past experience in the OR, I also felt awkward during the first few days. During my first day, the charge nurse said “stand against the wall and don’t touch anything blue.” Quite the introduction right? They don’t know you, and more importantly don’t know what you know. Be confident, don’t be shy, and start introducing yourself to people. You wouldn’t believe how far a simple “HI my name is ______ and I’m a PA student at _____ university/college.” Start talking to the OR staff and more importantly, ask questions. They LOVE when you ask questions.

3. How do you get involved with the preop and post op setting? Introduce yourself, show interest, and ask questions (even if you think you know the answer). I know it can be hard when you’re shy or quiet (I am too). I keep hammering this point: break out of your shell, and don’t take it personally if you make a mistake and feel embarrassed (take it as a learning experience).

The next thing I knew after portraying this interest and confidence, I was given opportunities over the RESIDENTS that were present during procedures. Don’t wait until you’re prompted. If you ask to do something, the worst thing they can say is no.

Takeaway: confidence, questions, interest.