New Grad in OR!! I need advice on orientation!!

[OR1228]

Hey guys!!! I know there are already posts similar to this topic. But I start my orientation in the OR soon and I need advice on my situation

My hospital usually doesn't hire new grads in the OR, but I've worked in sterilization for 10 years so I know all the instruments, staff, procedures, supplies...so i guess they feel like my experience will help me a lot

I feel like a lot of people are doubting me about surviving the OR, but this is what I want and I have thicker skin then they think.

So here's why I'm writing this post.....I really want to impress all my new co-workers and management during orientation. I want to stand out in a good way! My question is...if you were precepting me, what things could I do to make me stand out as a nurse that will be very successful? I am someone who is proactive and will jump in and help, but I don't want to make a huge mistake in a case by doing something

I would love suggestions...examples would be great too :)

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Be willing to study outside of work hours. No, homework doesn't end when school is over. If you know what surgeries you will be on the following day, ask for copies of the preference cards so that you have an opportunity to be familiar with them prior to the first case.

Understand that everyone has his or her own routine. Work with the routine of the person you are with for the day; take what works from everyone and create your own. While the differences between my multiple preceptors were minor (place bovie pad before warming blanket or the other way around) keeping to each person's routine helped keep the peace. Then I developed my own routine of how I set up the room and what I do once the patient is in the room.

Keep a pocket notebook handy at all times. You can keep track of things that aren't on the preference cards that are pertinent to know. I did this for each specialty I worked in. Even now, I occasionally refer back to that little notebook.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, but ask them at appropriate times. No one should be answering questions in the middle of a surgical count; that's how some miscounts can occur. Other moments to avoid asking questions include anesthesia induction and emergence among others.

Maintain your patient's dignity. No, they aren't awake to realize that their gown has been yanked off and they're exposed, but simply covering them with a blanket for as long as possible and keeping as much covered as possible shows that you care. In my specialty, we routinely prep from chin to toes, meaning the patient has to be completely exposed during the prep. That doesn't mean I can't keep them covered while tucking the arms and positioning the legs; the blanket doesn't come off until right before I'm putting on my sterile gloves.

[OR1228]

Thank You Rose_Queen. Great advice!