New Grad w/passion, but NO experience!...Over my head??

Specialties Operating Room

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I graduated from my nursing program in December and will soon take the NCLEX.

I had one clinical rotation in the OR and have imagined myself there ever since; I was fascinated! I was told repeatedly that it would be a process to get my foot in the door, but I just accepted a position as a circulator! They also said they will train me to scrub! I am so unbelievably excited and so nervous!

I was recently told, however, that "surgery will eat a girl like you alive"...

I have absolutely no experience in a healthcare setting outside of nursing school and clinical rotations. When I mentioned this to the director it didn't even seem to phase her, but I've received reactions like the one above and how "brave" I am to work in the OR without previous experience, so naturally I have begun to worry.

Are they right? Will I be in over my head and regret not starting in something like med-surg? I bought a few books to familiarize myself with what I can before I begin and am will soon be enrolled in Periop 101. Any opinion from you all would be so appreciated!

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There is no reason the OR will eat you alive unless you let it. The OR and med-surg are very different. I personally don't think that people need to start there first. Either way, when you enter the OR you are learning a complete new job, new setting, new language. Follow your passion.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

It's been my experience that most of the people who spread myths about the OR have never stepped foot in the OR in their life. Go for it and don't let anyone get into your head.

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There's def a lot of type a personalities in the OR. Don't let them bother you! Learn everything you can and enjoy! I started in the OR shortly after graduating nursing school. Let me know if you have any questions! It has been a great experience. I love it.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I would bet that a lot of the comments you are getting are from people who have never set foot in an OR at all or are basing those comments on a single observation experience. Heck, I was told when I joined my specialty team (separate from the rest of the OR) that they are a bunch of narcissists who think they are better than the rest of the OR and that I would be absolutely miserable. The truth is, we are such a small team that we have bonded well, work well together, and hang out together during lunches and breaks (and yes, sometimes even outside of work). Outsiders have interpreted that differently than reality. Perhaps the same is why you are hearing what you are hearing.

Yes, OR nursing is different from other nursing specialties. Yes, it can be hard at times. Yes, surgeons can "misbehave" at times- but a good facility will have your back and not tolerate untoward behavior. One thing I will say is that you can't take a lot of what people say personally- a lot of times, the surgeon is expressing displeasure with the situation and not directing it at any one person. It will take a long time to feel comfortable in the OR- many say it takes at least a year. So don't be too hard on yourself, take notes, do your homework to prepare the night before (read up on preference cards if you know what cases you will be in on the next day, that sort of thing), and keep an open mind. There are many threads here in this forum with tips for those new to the OR- go ahead and read them to give yourself a little bit of a head start.

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At our hospital the OR/PREOP/PACU is considered the best day you can have. It's highly competitive to get a spot there and the environment is very helpful and friendly. I don't know if that helps but I would say don't fear specializing right out of school. This is a great opportunity for you

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Specializes in CNOR.

I've been circulating for a year now. I was a new grad that snagged an OR job, and I absolutely love it. My favorite part is the teamwork. You're never alone in the room. I'm not saying that you'll always have to rely on others to feel competent, but when you're first starting out, it's incredibly comforting. Good luck!

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Please go for it ! Really the best job EVER! The best thing about it is that you only have one patient to care for and they absolutely deserve the very best care. If you have had a relative experiencing a surgical procedure, wouldn't you want them to have the best? OR nursing is a combination of the trauma SICU and ER nursing. You must be on your toes at all times. Don't let anyone discourage you!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Gyn, Pospartum & Psych.

People seem to say a lot of negative about nursing specialties that they don't understand or don't like. I received an opportunity to cross train from my med/surg floor to the psych unit. I love it, just not enough to leave my med/surg position. However, I hear all sorts of negative comments about psych nursing from the other med/surg nurses that I work with. I have learned to brush it off as it is obviously not their cup of tea. Personally, I think the variety helps me..both in knowledge and in that it gives me balance when one floor gets overwhelming (for example: full house on the med floor and a pyxis that shut down at 1am...psych unit the next night was a welcome mental relief)

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Thank you so much! I feel like I could be in nursing school for another year and still not have all the knowledge I need :/ My first day is tomorrow, I will certainly let you know :)

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Thank you! I was told so often how competitive the positions in surgery are, I suppose that's why I'm so nervous. I have only the experience from clinical rotations and it was minimum. Fingers crossed :)

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Thank you so much! I feel like I could be in nursing school for another year and still not have all the knowledge I need :/ My first day is tomorrow, I will certainly let you know :)

How was your first day?!

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