I've gotten a couple of PMs from members asking about a job as an OR nurse. In the interests of sharing those questions with anyone interested in a career as an OR nurse, I thought I'd start a thread for those questions to be posted. I'll check in regularly and answer the ones I can, and I'm sure the other regulars here in the OR forum will share their knowledge as well.
Except for certain specialties and surgeons, like orthopedics. Our ortho docs like it to be as cold as possibly when they do procedures. We keep our ortho rooms at around 55-57F.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I just started my OR residency (my 23rd day as a circulator) and I haven't done a lot yet but the expectations are for me to be able to run a room by myself with very little guidance/help. I have been in lots of different cases so it's not that I have just done 1 specialty since I started. I heard that some of my preceptors told my manager that I am not catching on -now I am fearful they will terminate me. How long does it take to "know it"? I am very sad about this and now have no confidence. Is there any advice you can offer me?
That's an unrealistic expectation. There's a reason orientation for the OR is months long and probably the longest orientation of most specialties- it will take time to "get it". I'm going to indulge in some self-promotion here: Tips for New Operating Room Nurses. This may help give you some ideas as to how to get to the point of running a room with minimal guidance. Have you been setting yourself daily and weekly goals? Are you taking notes? Studying preference cards? Learning a brand new specialty like OR nursing is going to involve some commitment outside of work hours. Work on a routine- the preop interview is going to be similar for all patients, turning on standard equipment like your bovie and bair hugger works the same no matter what case you're doing, etc. Some things you will do the same way every day and every case if you develop a routine.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Except for certain specialties and surgeons, like orthopedics. Our ortho docs like it to be as cold as possibly when they do procedures. We keep our ortho rooms at around 55-57F.
Our ORs don't even go that low- our lowest allowed temp is 66 and our highest is 80!
Except for certain specialties and surgeons, like orthopedics. Our ortho docs like it to be as cold as possibly when they do procedures. We keep our ortho rooms at around 55-57F.
So lucky! Our thermostats are locked and can't be dropped below 66. It gets HOT!
Specializes in OR 35 years; crosstrained ER/ICU/PACU.
Our Ortho docs want it cool for 2 reasons: total joint cement sets up too quickly if the room is too warm, & if we're doing any procedure using fluoro, that lead gets really hot under a scrub gown after awhile! So we freeze & keep warming blankets on the patients as best as we can! I even wear long underwear under my scrubs if I'm not scrubbed in myself (I love to scrub!).
Can you answer this question for me-my nurse clinician who is training me told me that it is up to me to ask the scrub to count when I see they are starting to close. NOT repeat NOT the scrubs job to say hey we are starting to close -we need to count. I am busy running around circulating so I am not in tune to when they are beginning to close. Help! I have been working with some scrubs that have been to say the least, very condescending and hostile. Please clarify this for me. Thanks for all your tips-I have been reading the links you provided.
Specializes in OR 35 years; crosstrained ER/ICU/PACU.
Absolutely not just up to you! As you say, you're running around, or sitting at the computer trying to catch up on your charting! And you should should still be paying attention to the conversation at the table; after awhile you'll learn what the surgeon asks for, as in closing sutures. Sometimes they're even the ones who will say "I'm closing, can we get a sponge count?". Your scrub tech's also responsible for telling you it's time for a count, especially if you're clearly busy! Their name is on the chart too, so if they don't take the initiative to say they need to count, then I'd question their training & professionalism.
Can you answer this question for me-my nurse clinician who is training me told me that it is up to me to ask the scrub to count when I see they are starting to close. NOT repeat NOT the scrubs job to say hey we are starting to close -we need to count. I am busy running around circulating so I am not in tune to when they are beginning to close. Help! I have been working with some scrubs that have been to say the least, very condescending and hostile. Please clarify this for me. Thanks for all your tips-I have been reading the links you provided.
It's a team effort. While the circulator is running around trying to finish charting, the scrub is busy as well. The scrub is trying to get the surgeon their closing suture, cut suture, and put instruments back where they belong etc. I'm guessing you were told it is your responsibility is because you are supposed to do a count with someone with a license.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I was told and I quote "It is the circulator's job to initiate all of the counts."
Is that stated in the policy? Counts should be a team effort as everyone is there for the patient and counts are part of patient safety. Yes, there are times I've initiated counts. Yes, there are times in documenting and the scrub initiated the count. The OR is a team environment.
Specializes in OR 35 years; crosstrained ER/ICU/PACU.
Then you will have to initiate all counts.
I guess I'm on the minority: I still believe it's a team effort as far as initiating the count. I work with excellent scrub techs, who have no qualms about saying "can we count?". As I often scrub, there were many times during a vascular case that I want to do a quick sponge & needle count during the case. Those 8-0 prolene suture needles are pretty tiny, & some docs have a bad habit of just dropping them on the Mayo stand. My point is that in our facility, the scrub asks for a count anytime they feel it's needed. Closing counts should be the responsibility of both scrub and circulator. That's why you're on an OR "Team"!
Our ORs don't even go that low- our lowest allowed temp is 66 and our highest is 80!
shelbias
74 Posts
Except for certain specialties and surgeons, like orthopedics. Our ortho docs like it to be as cold as possibly when they do procedures. We keep our ortho rooms at around 55-57F.