"Got it! Thank you, Teacher Ji, for comforting me!"
Chen Meilian shrank her neck a little guiltily.
This made Li Jingsheng quite surprised.
"Next time, if you’re sad or tired, you can go to the small room next to the treatment room. The stairwell is too cold and not safe."
"Okay, okay!"
She nodded again.
Though Teacher Ji didn’t say what happened, it was certain that when Chen Meilian was hiding in the stairwell, feeling sad alone, she was seen by Teacher Ji.
Every doctor or nurse has their own growth story.
Li Jingsheng is no exception.
Listening to the three nurse teachers chat, he felt the operating room had a bit more of a lively atmosphere.
Usually, the nurses are quite strict.
Especially the circulating nurse, who scolded Li Jingsheng several times. The sterile management was very strict, and Li Jingsheng did quite well, but sometimes when things got busy, or in emergencies, some rules would indeed be overlooked.
And then he’d get criticized by Teacher Ji.
"What are you chatting about? Is the preparation work done?"
Director Zhang came in at this point.
"We’re just waiting for you to lead us," Chang Yueyue answered with a smile.
Director Zhang nodded and looked at Li Jingsheng.
"Xiaoli, have you fully understood the patient’s condition?"
"I’ve already reviewed the surgical plan, examination report, and diagnosis results. Transposition of the great arteries combined with double outlet right ventricle is quite challenging. Anyway, I’m ready to charge in, just point me in the right direction."
Li Jingsheng replied.
"Ha, I like your attitude. Later, you and Dr. He will both act as the first assistant. Your skills in hemostasis, separation, incision, etc., are strong, and your diagnostic thinking is flexible. This surgery is the team’s first attempt, and you’ll lead the first assistant work, with Dr. He assisting you."
Director Zhang deliberately scheduled the surgery at night, hoping for Li Jingsheng to be the first assistant.
One reason is that he’s busy during the day, but for big surgeries like this, it’s often elective and usually done during the day.
Most major surgeries are scheduled as the first surgery in the morning.
Because that’s when medical staff have the most energy, and if any emergency arises and you need to call in doctors from other departments, it’s easier to arrange.
At night, many doctors and nurses are off duty, making it difficult to get assistance.
Some urgent tests, like intraoperative pathology tests, can only be done during the day.
So, choosing to perform this surgery at night was largely because Li Jingsheng didn’t have time during the day.
"Director Zhang, I have no objections to your arrangement. It’s just that my title is low and my seniority is shallow. Letting Dr. He lead the first assistant work and me assisting might be better."
Asking him how to use medication.
Dr. He showed an embarrassed expression. This was a detail he hadn’t considered.
Director Zhang had his reasons for choosing Li Jingsheng as the primary first assistant instead of him.
The first assistant must assist the lead surgeon with diagnosis, joint rescue, or overcome surgical challenges at critical moments. Sometimes, they must replace the lead during necessary times.
Without strong capability, one can’t fulfill the first assistant role.
"Looking at your expression, I’m sure you are already prepared for this. I wouldn’t dare to show off my skills in front of a master."
Li Jingsheng was just offering a reminder.
He believed that for such an important surgery, Director Zhang and the anesthesiologist would have prepared thoroughly in advance.
"Eh, there’s nothing about showing off here. You’re the first assistant; you must fully support me as the lead, help identify any oversights, and even correct me if I misdiagnose or misjudge. That’s what makes a competent first assistant. Don’t always think about hiding your skills or being modest. With me, show all your capabilities, and I’ll give you the fairest treatment."
Director Zhang admired Li Jingsheng from early on.
Back then, he only appreciated his meticulous and clear thinking in cardiothoracic diagnoses.
Now, after bringing Li Jingsheng into the surgical team, he appreciated the young doctor more and more. Because Li Jingsheng excelled in various aspects.
"Hurry up and tell me your medication plan so it can be compared with mine. Let’s strive to achieve the optimal medication plan."
Director Zhang urged him.

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