Abstract
The UK literature contains few references to nursing in the operating department and even fewer to methods for researching nursing in what is often a complex and stressful environment. Nursing staff work under intense pressure and this presents a challenge, not only for nurses who work in the operating department, but also for researchers who choose to study nursing within its bounds. This paper focuses on some of the key issues which emerged during one study of nursing in the operating department where an observational methodology was used. The author suggests that observation, as a research method, is an important feature of contextual investigation. However, like other methods of investigation, it requires careful planning and preparation. Furthermore, the author believes that sensitivity and skill are required for the enactment of the observer role when researching nursing within this specialized environment.