What are some strategies for staying calm and focused during high-stress surgical procedures?

I would pray so no one could hear. Then I would tell the joke of the day.

I oriente many new nurses. I tell them daily to know how to access your resources! Either remember or have immediate access to phone numbers for anesthesia tech, anesthesia attending, Charge Nurse, know where the emergency code and anesthesia buttons or how to get a hold of them if that’s not buy telephone. Pay attention to the surgery instead the computer for the case and listen to what the surgical team is saying. Often you can get hints if they are constantly asking for sponges, do you have medication’s or anything that will assist with increased bleeding such as meds available in your room. I tell them to call the charge nurse first because they should know where the available people are if you need an extra hand!

I would in my head sing happy birthday or a little song that made me happy a very familiar song. Breath very important just slow your breathing.