Any tips for a new nurse?

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Nov 18, 2007

Buy a small notebook to keep in your pocket when you start. This way, you can write down preferences, and any other useful l info(instruments, suture, positioning). Buy a good pair of shoes and maybe even some compression hose or knee highs. Your feet and legs will thank you.

The OR is full of strong personalities so try not to take things personally. This doesn't mean to be a doormat either. Just realize that things can get tense when a patient isn't doing well and tempers can flare. Also, try to stay out of OR "politics" as much as possible, especially when you're new. Try not to make enemies.

Above all, be kind to yourself. This is an environment that can be challenging and it can take 2 years to feel comfortable. If you don't know something or don't feel comfortable doing something, let someone know. Don't be afraid to ask questions(at the right time, of course) and realize that you will make mistakes. I always said, that as long as my mistakes don't hurt or kill anyone, then it's no biggie. Just try to learn from them. Good luck and use AllNurses as a resourse and venting place. It keeps me sane! :lol2:

TallBlondie · Nov 20, 2007

Listen to WitchyRN! All are very useful tips. I would suggest going back through the threads and reading them because your question comes up often. Since OR training isn't really taught in nursing school anymore it can seem foreign when you get in there but time and patience. Witchy's post is it in a nutshell, once you get in there other concerns will crop up as you go. My advice for winning respect quickly is to try not to be intimidated, just get in there and learn what your role is and when you are with your preceptor, do the things you have learned. You may learn after only a few days how to do a count, so offer to do the count for your preceptor once you learn or the paperwork, at least one task. Just don't sit there like a bump on a log watching 3 weeks into your training or people will peg you.

mcmike55 · Jan 2, 2008

WitchyRN, outstanding advice!! You've done this before, haven't you!!??

Rach, I agree, be yourself, keep your eyes and ears (and mind) open!

Surgery can be overwhelming as far as the amount of info that comes at you! You might try prioritizing what you want to learn, keeping an eye on technique, names of instruments, etc, but maybe really work on IV techniques if you feel that's a weak spot that you want to brush up on.

Depending on how long you are going to be there, you can check off other things off your list as you go.

When I had a senior student, that was one thing we did, sort of prioritize things.

By the time she finished up, with me watching of course, she was doing foley's, prepping, etc. I think she had a great experience, and think it helped her in the long run.

Her instructor was concerned about her passing her boards (sorry, old term) NCLEX, but I don't think her OR time was a waste.

As a student, in my mind, there's a fine line to talking, asking questions, etc.

I hate a student that comes in an acts like they know it all!! :angryfire3

I also hate students that look board!! Somewhere in between is good to me.

Good Luck!

Mike

LV_ORnurse · Jan 9, 2008

I, too, am a new grad and will start in a new grad RN Perioperative Training program in this Feb at ucla and am really excited, but a bit nervous. I will take those advices to heart. thanks!

bruinbear · Sep 7, 2010

Hello LV_ORnurse-- I am starting in the perioperative training program at UCLA as well and I was hoping you could share some insight into the training program and working at UCLA. Thanks!

NurseMeBSN · Jan 31, 2012

Hello LV_ORnurse-- I am starting in the perioperative training program at UCLA as well and I was hoping you could share some insight into the training program and working at UCLA. Thanks!

Hi bruinbear and LVORnurse,

I know this is old, but I just got in the program too! I was just wondering how your training for periop at UCLA went?