It’s no secret surgery can be overwhelming—but knowing who’s involved with your procedure is a great way to ease your nerves. Today, we’re breaking down everyone you might meet along your surgery journey and what they do for you. 

1. Circulator or Circulating Nurse

• Acts as your advocate while you’re under anesthesia
• Communicates your needs to the rest of the team
• Doesn’t scrub in, so they can perform tasks that scrubbed-in team members (who have to remain sterile) can’t.

2. Scrub Nurses or Perioperative Nurses

• Is scrubbed-in and remains sterile
• Makes sure the operating room is set up and sterile
• Assists your surgeon throughout surgery (selects and passes instruments to her)
• Helps dress your surgical site and preps you to go to the recovery room
• Counts instruments before and after surgery

3. Anesthesiologist (or CRNA)

• Comes up with the best anesthesia plan for you
• Administers and oversees anesthesia during surgery
• A pain-management expert who ensures you’re as comfortable as possible before, during, and after surgery

4. Anesthesia Technician

• Helps your anesthesiologist with setup
• Assists with the administration and monitoring of anesthesia

5. Surgeon

• Examines you and performs diagnostics to come up with a surgical treatment plan
• Helps you understand everything involved before your procedure
• Performs your procedure
• Will typically touch base with family or friends in the waiting room, and will visit you in recovery to let you know how the procedure went

6. Surgical First Assistant:

• Works closely with your surgeon during your procedure
• Helps with everything from selecting equipment and holding tools to incision care and dressings

7. Charge Nurse

• Makes sure patients, team members, and equipment come together for a smooth surgery
• Communicates with the entire time
• Monitors equipment and orders supplies
• Delegates and organizes nursing assignments to ensure a seamless procedure
• Oversees your admission and discharge

8.  Medical Assistant

• Orders and stocks supplies for the operating room
• Performs both patient care and administrative tasks—everything from setting up appointments to transporting you to recovery

9. Health Unit Coordinator

• Makes sure all administrative tasks surrounding your surgery run smoothly
• Helps maintain patient and clerical records
• Calls you directly to schedule pre-op or post-op care
• Orders forms and office supplies