Blog #4

 For the next part of my project, I got to spend time in the operating room. I spent time with a nurse manager of labor and delivery at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital. Starting bright and early at 7:30 a.m., I observed a cesarean section. In order to observe in the operating room, I had to wear scrubs, a hairnet, and a mask with a face shield. I learned all of the necessities when performing surgical procedures. All of the surgical instruments used in the procedure are counted in the beginning and at the end by the scrub nurse so that everything is accounted for. This includes all of the sutures, blades, towels, etc. Before the surgery can begin, the patient's identity, consent, and procedure are gone over. To start the c-section, the mother is given a spinal, where a doctor inserts numbing medication into the spine. This ensures that the mother cannot feel what is happening when the doctor begins. The c-section was a pretty quick procedure, and once it was finished the mother and baby go to recovery. Watching the c-section and being in the operating room for the first time was an amazing experience. First of all, I got to see the miracle of life and science firsthand, but I also got to see a group of amazing nurses and doctors working together effectively to provide care to a young mother and child. The operating room was filled with people who all had many different jobs, but even with all the moving parts, there was organization and a calm atmosphere. After observing the c-section, I was able to see a vaginal delivery. This experience was different because it was not in the operating room, but it still required similar procedures. During both procedures, I got to see the placenta which provides oxygen and essential nutrients to the baby. It was really interesting to see all of the veins and cells that make up the placenta. Spending time at the labor and delivery wing at Hillcrest Hospital allowed me to experience many different jobs working together to provide the best care to both mothers and babies.

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