Am I able to become an OR nurse?

[rikomom]

I need any suggestion.

This is my 4th week as a circulator orientee in 6 month training. I feel exhausted everyday and today it hit me.

The first case was an open ortho. I was opening a package of implant and then grabbed the inside package which was supposed to be sterile. The surgeon asked my preceptor to put me off from training in this case. He was not upset and I did not take it offended at all. I understood how the surgeon was stressed out.

In the second case, the patient needed to be in lateral position. I was right by the patient but my brain did not work for picturing what I should do. A senior nurse gave me a dirty look after all since probably my action did not help.

In the third case, I was prepping a patient for shoulder. A surgeon questioned if I cleaned a part of the shoulder. I said yes but the prep solution was not showing the color. She said, "I will do it again". I did not take it as offended at all but I felt "fail" again.

My preceptor was really nice and kept telling me "don't take it as personal". I was answering "yes I know. It is ok".

However, after I came home, it hit me. I have no confidence or even can't imagine to become an OR nurse.

I am fine on preop assessment, charting, and timeout. Probably that is all.

When a surgeon asks an instrument or something, I often have no idea what he/she is asking. The names on the instruments are so unique and hard to understand.

I need lots of ques to take next action although I know what I need to do. My brain goes black out especially after pt is sedated and after procedure is done.

I know I should not give up but I don't have confidence in me right now....

I appreciate any advice in advance.

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

Also, I know how scary it can be, but you HAVE to ask for more independence. It will also help staff become more confident in you if they see you doing all the work. Push yourself! You might be surprised.