[bestblondRN]

I am curious about the type and length of orientation any of you have received.

I started in the O.R. mid-September, and to date have had about 4 hours of classroom orientation (a mixed group of RNs and NAs) which was a review of sterile technique. Basically, we were just placed in rooms with a different person and type of case each day, and expected to pick out the best techniques of each nurse and learn the routines (sometimes you don't know what you don't know, which makes it even tougher). We also spent a day in Sterile Processing and a half-day in our core workroom.

I feel as though this has been trial-by-fire, and that those of us who started a few months ago have been cheated out of an orientation that gives us the knowledge to function optimally. Everyone keeps saying how incredibly well I'm doing, but I still feel very much out of my element. I have run rooms alone, but am stressed to the max when it happens, and have contemplated moving back into another clinical setting. I would really like to hear from some of you who have some experience with OR nursing as well as what your orientations were like. Bear in mind that I have NEVER worked OR before.......Thanks for letting me rant a bit

[AZBOUND-ORNURSE]

I started out as a Surgical Tech first before becoming an RN in the OR. As a Tech, it took me at least a year after graduation to feel comfortable working in the OR and scrubbing cases alone. After I became an RN, I left the OR and spent a year and a half working in Telemetry and ICU. I then returned to the OR and spent another year on orientation for that. I still feel at times that I was rushed (even though it was a year) through orientation. I guess because I had already had previous experience there.
The OR is a very demanding and highly specialized area of nursing. You will feel more comfortable as time progresses. Just hang in there and don't be afraid to learn new things (no matter how long you work in an OR, there will always be something you haven't seen or done before). You write that you just started mid- September and already running rooms on your own!! I think that says it all, you are doing well just like everyone is saying.
The hospital I work at didn't put a time frame on my orientation and also did not have classroom instruction either at that time.
Please don't give up on the OR just yet!!! Let me know how things go!!

[chartleypj]

Bestblond
Like you, I received very little orientation to the OR. I applied and accepted a postion without ever having worked in an OR, shortly after graduating from nursing school. Our facility had no standard, consistant teaching plan. The first year was exceedingly challenging. I also learned the hard way. Surgeons screamed a lot, some even threw instruments.
If you are sure this is the place for you perhaps you should ask the manager to pair you with the same RN for your circulating experiences. You need to ask for what you want/need. Let them know how enthusiastic you are about working there and hopefully they will nuture your interest.
I would also strongly suggest you learn to scrub; a good scrub makes a great circulator.
Join AORN, The Assocation of perOperative Registered Nurses in your state.
AZ Bound is right, this is demanding and highly specialized. It is also a very rewarding place to work.
Good luck,
Paula

[spineCNOR]

As AZ-bound says, it take a full year , at least, to become really comfortable. The OR is totally differenct from any other area of nursing as you well know!

Many OR's, sounds like yours may be one of them, are giving new people haphazard orientations becuase the department is busy and short-staffed. You will need to be assertive to get the orientation you want and need. Are you keeping up with your cases- how many of what type of case, and whether you were with a preceptor or alone? This can help you think about what services or cases you need more experience with, and discuss this with your education person/manager. When you do talk with ed person/mgr be sure to emphasize your interest in the department, and how giving you a through orientation will benefit THEM and the department.

Sounds like you need to be more patient with yourself- it is very difficult for any experienced nurse to go from an area of nursing where they are a pro to an area where they are a total novice. You have had the courage to get this far, so just take it one day at a time. You may not think so now, but the day will come when you are a pro in the OR!

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

[Shevalove]

I am going to be starting a OR orientation at the end of this month. It is supposed to be 9 months long and takes new graduates as well as experienced nurses.

[ITSJUSTMEZOE]

When I first started in the OR I came from the step down and cvicu units, at a cardiovascular surgeons request. Me and 4 others went wide eyed into the area thinking it was just like it was "Upstairs" WRONG. Went into the "orientation" was intended to be 1 yr. well with in a week it was whittled down to 16 weeks then down to 9. We barely knew the instruments. My first case scrubbing was a Double Plif, and the Surgeon was left handed and yelled at everything I did. Im talking in your face blood curdling screams. I did the case and minus a nervous break down showed up for work the next day. It got easier and I learned that If Im going to learn it I will have to learn it myself because there wasnt a soul there that had the time to teach me because we were so short staffed. It took a few months to figure were things were.... KNOW WHERE YOU SUTURE IS..... and kling to a great scrub they will show you the ins and outs of where things are located. Follow another nurse in the OR and if your not in a case get in one and watch. You will be surprised when you pick up things. 4 yrs later look at me I scrub hearts, brains,backs,knees,hips,guts. You name it I can scrub it circulate it or if need be Be the fairy god mother to it.
Take a breath , take nothing personal, and take no crap.
You will do fine.
Zoe

[hollyxuk]

hi, I am pleased to read everyone elses experiences. I am a qualified nurse, with no experience in OR (or Theatres as we call it in england) and start a new job in a couple of weeks time. Its a challenge, very scary but exciting. The manager says it usually takes about 9 months to a year before you are fully competent. Its nice to hear other peoples experiences. Any advice on how to survive those first nerve racking shifts?

[Shevalove]

hollyxuk...I am a nervous wreck but extremely excited too!! Good luck!!

[Sarah, RNBScN]

Our facility offered 6 wk. mentorship with a seasoned OR nurse whom you worked with. If you required longer, they would give you what was need. Some places offer a min. of 6 months. Ask what your orientation includes and don't be afraid to ask for more if it is required.

[Heather_B]

Orientation in our hospital for scrubs is a 6-month period. After that 6 months, you're supposed to be ready to take call one night a week and every fourth weekend. (We have 5 scrubs and 5 circulators that take call.)