The operating room is a special environment within a healthcare facility, where surgical procedures are performed on patients to diagnose and treat disease or injury. Because the operating room is a highly restricted area that is subject to many laws, regulations, and professional guidelines, it is important for you to understand how to work in and around this unique environment. This course provides you with the information you will need to successfully and safely fulfill your responsibilities in the OR, while protecting yourself and the safety and rights of patients and staff. Following the suggestions in this program will also help you build rapport with the OR team, which in turn results in becoming an important source of technical support for your product.

Upon completion of this online activity, the participant should be able to:

• Identify the appropriate attire to wear in all areas of the surgical suite.
• Illustrate the importance of hand hygiene and the role it plays in reducing surgical site infections.
• Discuss the concepts that contribute to and importance of preventing Surgical Site Infections (SSIs).
• Describe techniques to minimize the risk of infection in the intraoperative environment.
• Interpret the principles of aseptic practices and follow them in specific OR scenarios.
• List three aspects of environmental control commonly found in the OR.
• Identify the steps required if you are involved in a blood borne exposure incident.
• Summarize the roles HCIRs might assume in the OR to ensure compliance with policies and maintain positive working relationships.
• Identify mechanisms the HCIR can use to ensure the smooth introduction of products, equipment or instrumentation in the operating room.