Behind Closed Doors

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Now Playing in OR 1


Paula Watkins, RN, CNOR It's no wonder our facilities are a rich source for TV and the silver screen. You've got your drama, comedy and action, your heartbreak and triumph over adversity. Even non-medical titles can remind you that working in surgery is entertainment on demand. Let's go to the movies, surgical style.

The Damned Don't Cry (1950): Even back then they had a movie about OR nursing.

Carry On Nurse (1959): "Nurse?" Now there's a name none of the surgeons call us anymore.

Change of Habit (1969): Something those surgeons will never experience. (Imagine! Showing up for surgery on time!)

Panic in Needle Park (1971): The anxiety of patients with no veins when you need to start an IV.

Asylum (1972): You don't have to be crazy to work here, but ? you know.

Deep Throat (1972): What you're hoping for during intubation. Those short "no-necks" can be a real challenge.

The Longest Yard (1974): Getting to the equipment room and back with those heavy items you forgot he asked for, when he asks for them.

High Anxiety (1977): Felt by the patients waiting in pre-op. And you, sometimes, when you think about whom you'll be working with.

The Jerk (1979): A kinder epithet for the general surgeon who cursed you out when the scrub prep erased the pre-op marks he drew on the patient. Funny how regular ink comes off with soap.

Any Which Way You Can (1980): Surviving the day.

The Terminator (1984): Have you met the new supervisor?

The Color Purple (1985): When it's the patient we're talking about, it's just as bad as blue.

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985): Surely you've heard the laughter coming from the lounge.

Mask (1985): It hides most of my facial flaws.

Weird Science (1985): Operating room nursing.

Stand By Me (1986): For a co-worker in need, always.

Full Metal Jacket (1987): Wearing lead for that never-ending orthopedic case that's using a C-arm.

Running on Empty (1988): It's 1300, and you still haven't had a break or lunch.

Chances Are (1989): ? you'll be in this line of work till you retire. Hey, there are worse ways of making a living.

The Dream Team (1989): The anesthesia provider, the scrub tech and the circulator. It takes all three to make it work.

Internal Affairs (1990): Thankfully, these don't happen as often as TV suggests.

Total Recall (1990): Something you wish you had on every surgery, with every surgeon.

Sometimes They Come Back (1991): Be nice to the "travel nurse" visiting your facility.

Clueless (1995): Administrators who don't even know where the surgery's done in their buildings.

Mission: Impossible (1996): Pleasing everyone you work with.

Liar Liar (1997): "If this patient dies, it's all your fault!"

In & Out (1997): The wonders of outpatient surgery.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999): Procedures you can't bear to watch, but can't look away from.

Manic (2001): A state I have grown accustomed to.

Walk the Line (2005): When I absolutely have to.

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