Re: New and tired Originally Posted by SquirrelRN71 
Absolutely nothing is wrong with you...It can take a about a year before that acid in the stomach goes away..there is a big learning curve in the OR-that's why the orientation is so long. I was a surgical tech for years and still had to make an adjustment.
But one day, a wonderful thing will happen. You'll be going about your business in a room when you realize that you are actually enjoying your job and that you aren't scared witless anymore. It does happen, trust me. You need to be gentle with yourself. It's good that you've gotten positive feedback-some people don't.
And mistakes happen..I always say, as long as my mistakes don't hurt or kill anyone, then no biggie. I try not to do the same silly thing twice..everyone makes mistakes and no one is perfect, despite what some coworkers and surgeons may say!
Thanks for putting that into words for me, Squirrel!
I've been off orientation and scrubbing or circulating on my own for about a month.
I do have days that I feel totally out of place, like I can't do anything right, and then there are days that things go great, and I love my job. I keep reading over and over from many of you that it will take a year to feel comfortable... that seems a long time but it gives me hope. When someone says "Strong work" or "Good job," I say "Yes, I am teachable."
Linda2097, you are so right that surgeons don't like shaky, nervous nurses. I had a doc look into my eyes and say, slowly, "Take a deep breath. Relax. You're doing fine." That helped me so much... and it's so embarrasing that she had to tell me that, LOL.
SLOW IS SMOOTH. SMOOTH IS FAST. I'm so going to use that! Thanks!
FlyOR, We can so do this! Hang in there! I work 3/12's 7a-7p, which means I'm up at 4:30 and get home at 8:30. My kids don't see me the days I work, but they're teenagers so they manage... sort of. But boy, the lists of things they need from me on my days off... whoa.
Re: New and tired
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