Brand Spanking New OR Nurse

hi there! dont worry! you are not alone. Im new to OR, and memorizing the basic instruments can be a daunting daSk, especially anticipating the doctor's needs. I do hope we pass the feeling 'retarded' stage soon and feel more competent OR nurses.

I'm there with you. I have three years ER experience, and was lucky to know where the general tray was, much less what was in it! I also have one year school nursing experience. We're moving, and I start training for the OR in early July. I'm honestly kind of nervous (ok, lie, really nervous). I know I have a six month orientation, but I guess it's just because it's so far from anything I've done. It's not even like you get a good feel for the OR in nursing school. I think I went in twice- once for a total knee and once for a CABG!

I know exactly what your talking about. I started in the OR in Feb. after 9.5 years on med/surg. It's hard going from being a seasoned nurse on the floor, to feeling "dumb" on a daily basis. OR nursing is totally different that med/surg. I like it, it's just, I would like, one day not to feel "retarded".

If I go to ER or Med/Surg, I would feel the same way. We have many nurses from other areas and they are doing just fine. As long as you are a team player and willing to learn and work hard, you will be just fine. The personalites are tough but I am not sure if that's the same on the floor. Good luck. Remember you are not retarded no matter how they treat you.

Bless your hearts! I'm excited for all of you. Honestly, it will take at least a full year before you even begin to think, ok I just might be able to do this. During that first year, different things will "click" and as you "click" along the pieces of the giant puzzle start falling into place. Just grin and bear it, have tolerance for yourself and don't give up!

I was a FABULOUS critical care nurse.....WOW, I was soooo good. Then I went to the OR and MAN, I WAS THE MOST STOOOOPID person in the world. Take heart, all you new OR nurses. Nothing in nursing is like the OR. It's a private little world with an awful lot of details and then more details.
However, give it time and after a year or so, you'll hit your stride. It took me about two years(slow learner, I guess), but one day I walked into the OR, looked at the suture rack in the room and suddenly understood what the suture racks meant!!!! That was so exciting!
At any rate, don't give up, don't feel as if you won't ever learn. IT WILL HAPPEN!
I wish you well, and hope that you enjoy the OR. I've been doing OR nursing since 1984 and am still amazed at all the new things I learn everyday.I applaud all of you.

i have been a o.r. nurse for almost 12 years. i work at a smaller hospital o.r. my first year out of school. i then changed jobs and went to work at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. i thought i knew how to be a nurse in the operating room. BOY WAS I WRONG! the cases at anderson were big and long. i felt retarted for about 6 months, then one day i was ready before the patient got to the room and i knew i would be ok. the o.r. is a fast paced, exciting place to work. I LOVE IT. just hang in there.

Hang in there!! The retarded stage will pass