Introduction to the Operating Room
LESSON 1: ORIENTATION
1-4
Section II. THE OPERATING ROOM SUITE
1-4. DEFINITION
The use of the term "operating room" requires clarification. The entire area in which surgical operations are performed and materials are prepared and stored for surgery is properly called the operating room suite or the surgical suite. However, hospital personnel often describe the entire suite simply as the "operating room" (OR). Examples of such usage are: "OR specialist," "OR nurse," and "OR supervisor"--all of whom have duties throughout the surgical suite. Of course, "operating room" and "OR" are also used to indicate an individual OR in which surgery is performed. Throughout this subcourse, these terms "operating room suite" and "surgical suite" are used when referring to the entire area in which operations are performed and supplies are prepared and/or stored. Terms such as "OR specialist," "OR supervisor," and "OR personnel" are in general use and are understood by all hospital personnel as referring to persons assigned to the OR suite. The terms "operating room" and "individual operating room" are used to designate a room within the surgical suite where surgery is performed on a patient.
