Stepping into the operating room (OR) for the first time as a new anesthesia assistant is exciting—but it’s also overwhelming. The pace is fast, the expectations are high, and even small mistakes can feel massive.
Looking back, I made a few missteps that cost me time, confidence, and a few awkward conversations with senior staff. But every mistake was a lesson—and now I want to share those lessons with you so you can walk into the OR better prepared than I was.
Here are 5 mistakes I made as a new anesthesia assistant—and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Knowing the Machine Inside Out
When I first started, I only had a surface-level understanding of the anesthesia machine. I could turn it on and do basic checks—but I didn’t understand what to do when an alarm went off mid-case.
How to Avoid It:
Spend time learning the parts, circuits, oxygen sources, and troubleshooting. Don’t just rely on the techs—be confident in handling issues yourself.
✅ Recommended:
📘 Understanding Anesthesia Equipment: Construction, Care, and Complications.
🛠 Anesthesia Machine Flashcards for Quick Learning.
Mistake #2: Forgetting to Check Drug Availability
Early on, I’d assume everything was ready—only to find mid-case that we were out of suxamethonium or had no midazolam in the trolley.
How to Avoid It:
Do a full drug check before every case. Look for expiration dates, dilutions, and label everything clearly.
✅ Recommended:
🧪 Anesthesia Drug Stickers & Color-Coding Kit.
🗂 Pocket Dosing Chart for Rapid Reference.
Mistake #3: Not Writing Things Down
I thought I could remember everything: induction drug doses, patient allergies, weight, ASA status. Nope.
How to Avoid It:
Always carry a pocket notebook or use a mini clipboard. Write everything down. It’ll save you from major mistakes.
✅ Recommended:
📒 Mini Clinical Notebook (Waterproof & Pocket-Friendly)
🖊 Anesthesia Assistant’s Daily Planner
Mistake #4: Being Too Afraid to Ask Questions
I used to nod even when I didn’t understand an instruction—then panic trying to figure it out. Asking would’ve saved me time and stress.
How to Avoid It:
Your seniors would rather answer a “basic” question than fix a mistake later. Speak up. It’s how you grow.
✅ Tip:
If you’re shy, write questions in your notebook and ask them later during downtime. Or talk to junior staff—you’re not alone in this.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Self-Care During Shifts
Skipping meals, standing for hours, dehydration—it adds up. I burned out quickly in my first few weeks.
How to Avoid It:
Bring snacks, stay hydrated, wear compression socks, and take 5-minute breaks when possible. You can’t help patients if you’re exhausted.
✅ Recommended:
🥤 Hydro Flask Water Bottle.
🧦 Medical-Grade Compression Socks for Long Shifts.
👟 Best OR-Approved Shoes for Comfort.
Final Thoughts
Skipping meals, standing for hours, dehydration—it adds up. I burned out quickly in my first few weeks.
How to Avoid It:
Bring snacks, stay hydrated, wear compression socks, and take 5-minute breaks when possible. You can’t help patients if you’re exhausted.
✅ Recommended:
🥤 Hydro Flask Water Bottle.
🧦 Medical-Grade Compression Socks for Long Shifts.
👟 Best OR-Approved Shoes for Comfort.
“In silence I learned, through errors I grew,
Anesthesia taught me what books never knew.”
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