1. Observation in the Operating Room
Current UH-EMC Student with observation requirement
Guest under GM-38 policy
Guest under GM-7 policy

2. Prior to OR Observation
At least 2 weeks prior to the date of observation –
Contact Volunteer
Complete Elyria Medical Center’s Surgery Observer test (attachment)
Complete and return to Volunteer Services all necessary forms (Pursuant to GM-7 or GM-38)
Obtain the appropriate identification badge

3. Day of Observation
You MUST eat prior to your observation time - low blood sugar can lead to fainting in the OR. Meals are not provided.
Wear comfortable shoes that totally cover the toe and heel.
Bring only necessary items with you. No cell phone or electronic devices can be brought into the OR area.
Identification badge MUST be visible the entire time of your visit
Park on the second floor of the parking garage and use 2nd floor walkway to enter the main building. Assistance is available in the 2nd floor lobby for directions to the Surgery Control Desk.
The staff secretary will contact the Charge Nurse/Educator and you will be escorted to the appropriate locker room.
Sign in visitor log book located at the Surgery Control Desk.
Complete Environment of Care Safety Tour (eye wash stations, etc.)

4. Required Attire For OR Area
Surgical scrubs and a warm-up jacket will be provided and worn
- no lab coats or street clothes can be visible under your scrubs
- turtlenecks or long sleeved shirts cannot be worn under the scrub top
Provided shoe covers must be worn over shoes
Provided OR cap (receive in changing area) ALL hair must be covered including bangs
NO - jewelry including piercings

5. Prior to Entering the OR suite
For observers who are NOT from Affiliated Educational programs:
The observer must remain with their Sponsor for the duration of the experience.
A Patient Consent (GM-7 Attachment C or GM-38 Attachment E) must be obtained by staff from the patient before an observation can occur.
Observer may only enter the operating room suite AFTER the patient is prepped and draped.
Remember CONFIDENTIALITY- Even if you are familiar with the patient- you are not to disclose any personal information to ANYONE

6. Prior to Entering OR suite
Wash your hands- 30 seconds at scrub sink
Apply face mask to cover nose and mouth and secure
Put on eye shield

7. Upon entering the OR
Introduce yourself to the Circulation Nurse who will instruct you where to stand.
Once in the OR Suite write your first/last name and type of observer (student) on whiteboard

8. Key points about OR suite
1.The OR will have sterile areas that can be identified by blue drapes, stay at least two feet from anything blue.
2. Sterile staff (in blue gowns) have the right of way.
3. Wearing a mask and/or OR smells or low blood sugar can cause faintness.
If at anytime you feel light headed, faint or dizzy immediately inform staff. Sit down where you are and someone will assist you out of the room.

9. During the Procedure
At appropriate times the surgeon may interact with observer.
REMEMBER- The observer is ONLY allowed to observe- DO NOT scrub in, get equipment, help move the patient, etc.

10. Upon leaving OR suite
Step 1: Complete hand hygiene with alcohol foam in dispensers by Exits upon leaving OR.
Step 2: Remove mask by untying strings and dispose of them in garbage can. Leave cap and shoe covers on until out of the restricted area.
Step 3: Wash your hands at scrub sink

11. Upon leaving restricted area
Step 4: Remove cap and shoe covers disposing them in trash can.
Step 5: Complete hand hygiene with alcohol foam in dispensers.
Scrubs may be worn around hospital BUT NOT outside the building. You may wear your scrubs to get lunch in cafeteria providing they are not soiled.

12. Please complete EMC Surgery Observer Test made available to you in an attachment. Highlight the correct answers and return to:
Volunteer
Thank you