An observation in the Operating Room (OR) is a valued experience by numerous professionals in their education. 

Students / learners who require the operating room experience as part of their professional education (ie. they can not graduate without it), will be given priority.

Due to patient acuity and logistics, opportunities to view some surgeries especially cardiac surgery, may be limited.

Process for OR Viewing Experience

• Nursing - refer to the Nursing Discipline Specific Page for direction.
• Allied Health - Supervisors are to complete the OR Request Form and submit it to the OR Nurse Educator.
  • SPH - Nadia Vrtacic, nvrtacic@providencehealth.bc.ca 
  • MSJ - Thelma Velasco, tvelasco@providencehealth.bc.ca 

OR Request Form 

Prepare for Observation

• Eat a meal prior to your arrival as some procedures will take several hours to complete.
• Jewellery including rings, necklaces, earrings, watches, etc is not to be worn and mobile / electronic devices are not to be brought into the OR. Please do not bring these with you.
• Wear comfortable shoes (with socks) and your ID badge. You will change into OR scrubs, bouffant head cover and mask. 
• No outdoor clothing (ie. long sleeve shirts) is allowed to be visibly showing under your scrubs.
• Always wash your hands before and after leaving the OR theatres and change your mask. 

OR Dress Code 

Location

• Mount Saint Joseph Hospital
  4th Floor, 4 West Surgical Unit beside the nursing station, across from the elevator
• St. Paul's Hospital
  3rd Floor, Providence Building