A guide to “scrubbing in”

Members of the surgical team

You need to be aware of many individuals on the surgical floor (fig 1⇓).1 You might initially find it difficult to tell various team members apart by appearance alone because they will all be dressed in identical scrubs.

The theatre manager has the overall responsibility for the surgical floor. Introducing yourself to the theatre manager and explaining why you are there will improve your chances of getting involved with theatre activities right from the start.

The members of the surgical theatre staff include the theatre head nurse (also known as the scrub nurse, who is in charge of maintaining the sterile area around the patient), the circulating nurse (who opens the packages of instruments onto the table beside the theatre head nurse so that the contents remain sterile), the consultant surgeon and assisting surgeons (usually specialist registrars or senior house officers), the anaesthetist, and possibly a theatre practitioner or operating department practitioner (who provides surgical assistance). A radiologist or other specialist might be present, depending upon the nature of the surgery.

Removing outdoor clothing

Outdoor clothing carries an infection risk and must be removed before you enter …