1. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Adapted by Keith R. Orloff, CST, FAST
from Ann Marie McGuiness, CST, CNOR

2. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Definition:
the desire to give the very best patient care possible
the exercising of judgment in favor of patient interest rather than convenience or self-interest

3. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE PROTECTION OF THE PATIENT

4. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Protection of the patient electrical hazards
patient return electrode
EKG leads
grounded electrical equipment

5. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Protection of the patient moving and positioning
padding and protection
side rails
safety strap

6. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Protection of the patient environmental protection
warmth and comfort
blankets
patient modesty

7. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Protection of the patient
protection from psychological insult
care of what the patient sees
care of what the patient hears
care of what the patient feels
patient-focused care

8. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Protection of the patient anxiety and fear
patient teaching
patient support

9. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Protection of the patient
unnecessary time under anesthesia
anticipation
attention to detail

10. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE Aseptic Technique APPLICATION MONITORING
MAINTENANCE

11. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
Ethics
respect for patient beliefs

12. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
Ethics
respect for the patient as an individual

13. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
Ethics
confidentiality

14. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
Ethics
reporting incidents

15. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
Ethics
honesty

16. SITUATIONS THAT UNDERMINE SURGICAL CONSCIENCE

17. SITUATIONS THAT UNDERMINE SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
peer apathy
“Nobody does…….”
“Everybody does…..”

18. SITUATIONS THAT UNDERMINE SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
stress
demanding surgeons
demanding circulators
“book” learning
“We don’t have time to do that….”

19. SITUATIONS THAT UNDERMINE SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
fatigue
long days on your feet
no coffee breaks
“on call”
outside demands on your energy

20. SITUATIONS THAT UNDERMINE SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
poor health
“I have a bad cold, but I don’t have any sick time…….”

21. SITUATIONS THAT UNDERMINE SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
personal problems
dependents
spouse/significant other

22. SITUATIONS THAT UNDERMINE SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
staff relations
an “I” in teamwork
uncooperative teamworkers
“title”-itis

23. MAINTAINING A STRONG SURGICAL CONSCIENCE

24. MAINTAINING A STRONG SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
taking care of the professional YOU
networking with fellow professionals
AST National Conference
State Assembly meetings/workshops
AST chat room (

25. MAINTAINING A STRONG SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
taking care of the professional YOU
professional credentailing
certification
registration
participation in the profession

26. MAINTAINING A STRONG SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
taking care of the professional YOU
maintaining a current knowledge base
reading professional journals
inservices
workshops
continuing education programs
national conference

27. MAINTAINING A STRONG SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
taking care of the professional YOU
support your professional organization
membership
committee work
elected office

28. MAINTAINING A STRONG SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
taking care of the personal YOU
exercise
proper nutrition
proper rest

29. MAINTAINING A STRONG SURGICAL CONSCIENCE
taking care of the personal YOU
relaxation techniques
yoga
reading
taking a walk
hobby

30. SURGICAL CONSCIENCE