Against all odds.

[learningnurse]

Struggling to be proficient in the OR but I work with toxic people. Since I am not a "charge nurse favorite" I don't get the support I need to reinforce what I have learned (being in cases I don't do often and have requested to be in - perfection through repetition). I have requested to be partnered (I scrub and they circulate or vice versa) with certain OR colleagues who are good teachers. But, the exact opposite happens every time. I am partnered with colleagues that are horrible teachers and teach questionable practices. I know this because I found out through my own research or other OR Nurses that their teachings don't match with AORN standards. There is no training program for OR at my job. I am learning on my own. I am determined to hone my craft in spite of it all. Any suggestions?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Find a new job. No OR training is a set up for failure. You need an environment where new OR nurses receive a thorough residency/orientation program.

[Anne72]

woah,it needs a lot of courage to work with surgeons. its happened to me a lot since I've been starting my job as an OR nurse. I've been working for almost 3 years and still learning! I need to know to scrub and assists all disciplines (General Surgery,Maxillio-facial, Neuro,OBS&Gynes,Ortho).Plus I need to be a circulating nurse and Anaesthetist nurse as well.So 3 years, are not enough!

[learningnurse]

Thank you for your response, Rose Queen. I did look for that type of facility but could not find a thorough residency/orientation program in my living area. A couple of places, including mine, offered a 6-month training program. But, a couple of people (half of the OR staff) transitioned out of the OR and my training became "based on need" and "staffing availability". So, I didn't get the opportunity to receive thorough training in my areas of weakness and my designated mentor became anyone that was available. Would temp agencies or surgicenters typically offer a more consistent residency/orientation type of learning environment as opposed to hospitals?