Shady Nursing Practices in Operating Rooms: An Insider’s Account

The operating room (OR) is a sterile and highly-regulated environment, where healthcare professionals must adhere to strict protocols and standards. However, from the perspective of a former surgical technician, the atmosphere inside an OR can sometimes reveal instances that don’t quite align with professional ethics and practice. This article delves into three instances where a nurse engaged in questionable behavior inside the confines of what should be a clean and professional space.

Professionalism and Sterility: Eyelash Contamination

Being a surgical technician during my medical school days, I had an up-close look at the highly sensitive and crucial procedures carried out in the OR. My very first surgery involved a tonsillectomy, an operation that requires utmost sterility. While the patient was under general anesthesia, a small eyelash was found in the sterile basin. I immediately brought this to the attention of my supervisor, who minimized the issue, citing the rarity of its use. Despite her reassurances, I felt that the oversight was unprofessional and potentially harmful.

Misconduct and Exploitation: The Incident with the 30-Something Patient

During a turbinate plasty, a procedure aimed at relieving nasal congestion, I witnessed an unimaginable breach of professional boundaries. The patient, a 30- to 40-year-old man, had made a joke about not being played with while under anesthesia. The ensuing scenario shocked me. A nurse, without warning, began to engage in inappropriate behavior—tight-lipped and attentive—paying intimate attention to the patient's penis. This action was not only unprofessional but also exploitative. It was only when the surgeon arrived that the nurse covered herself. Later, the patient reported the incident to the medical board, which resulted in the nurse being placed on unpaid leave for three weeks. This event remains a sobering reminder of the pivotal role trust and professionalism play in the OR.

Medical Deception and Culpability: The Hydrocele Repair Fiasco

In another surgery, a hydrocele repair, a very young patient had his favorite toy stuffed bear brought into the operating room. The procedure is relatively minor, with a small incision above the reproductive area. However, during the surgery, the child ran around the OR and the physician assistant struck him. This caused the child to become unconscious. The parent’s inquiry into the black eye led the recovery nurse to fabricate an explanation, claiming the child had collided with a corner desk. Only when the child voiced his true account did the physician assistant face disciplinary action.

These stories serve as a stark reminder that despite stringent protocols and training, human nature can sometimes lead to unethical behavior. The OR, a place where lives are potentially saved, must remain sanctified from such actions. Transparency, accountability, and continuous awareness are necessary to uphold the sanctity and dignity of medical practice.