OR Cheat Sheet

Description

The OR can feel overwhelming, especially when you are new, floating, in clinicals, or trying to understand how everything comes together before, during, and after surgery. This OR Cheat Sheet was created to make that learning curve feel less intimidating and give you a clear, organized breakdown of the most important things to know in the operating room.

Inside, you’ll find easy-to-follow guidance on pre-op questions, H&P and consent checks, surgical team roles, sterile and aseptic technique, anesthesia types, patient positioning, skin prepping, fire risk, surgical counts, documentation, common OR equipment, common procedures, medications, and PACU handoff report.

Whether you are a nursing student, new grad nurse, OR nurse, or just wanting to better understand surgical care, this resource helps you build confidence, recognize safety priorities, and understand why each step matters. In the OR, small details can have a huge impact on patient safety, and having this knowledge helps you feel more prepared instead of just trying to figure it out in the moment.

Perfect for:

• Nursing students
• New grad nurses
• Nurses interested in the OR
• Clinical rotations
• Quick review before a shift
• Anyone wanting a better understanding of perioperative care

Disclaimer: This resource is for educational purposes only. Hospital policies and protocols may vary, so always follow your facility’s guidelines and standards of care.