Budgeting time

There are many, many things to account for in the operating room.

A seldom thought of one is time.

There are lots of packets of time to budget.

The time it takes to drive to work. Or take transit. Or walk.

The time it takes to walk in to work, especially if the car/bus stop is far away from the OR.

The time it takes to walk to the lounge, use the facilities, have your break, and walk back to your room. All within 15 minutes.

The same for lunch. Except you get 30 minutes.

The time waiting for the surgeon to arrive.

The time waiting for the patient to wake up.

The endless time it takes the elevator to come up from the basement. And you’re on the 1st floor. Why, oh, why didn’t they build stairs next to the OR.

The time waiting for your relief to show up so you can go home.

And get ready to do it all again tomorrow.