Circulating

Great advice, IsseyM. I read this weeks ago when I first accepted a job in the OR. I just finished up my 4 weeks in the classroom and begin my 18 week orientation in the OR tomorrow. I printed your post and will tuck it into my pocket notebook for tomorrow.

Thank again :monkeydance:

Thanks everyone for the great info!

A good book to have as a new OR nurse is "Pocket Guide to the Operating Room" by Maxine A. Goldman (ISBN 0-8036-003-X).

no books--learn to be a professional eavesdropper

You're very welcome! I forgot to mention, i think its a good idea to carry a pocket sized notebook and write down every case that you do. I like to start with the doctor's name, the procedure, the position, the type of prep, Meds, equipment/supplies, sutures and dressings. Depending on what facility you work, some preference cards will already have all of this and some do not. Best of luck and keep us updated!

When we used the old 5x7 card system we shot anyone that used ink!

When we used the old 5x7 card system we shot anyone that used ink!

Really? Is there a problem with ink? (smearing, contamination, infection). I'm sorry if I don't get it.

I work in dialysis and we're not allowed to use pens with gel ink because it runs whenever water gets on it - and dialysis has water everywhere!

I was speaking to the "old" 5x7 preference card system. We wanted circulators to use pencil to make revision rather than ink. As far as ink--on charting we use ballpoint. No gel Please!!!

There are some things we do a little differently than you, but that was a great overview of the circulating role :) Thanks!

I'm starting in an RN OR Residency Program here in NYC next month and all your tips have been so helpful. I can't WAIT to be in the OR but at the same time, I'm anxious about my performance and what it'll be like being the newbie. I'll be around these forums searching for any other helpful insights about OR nursing...take care all and thanks! =)

Kay, RN

Nice one, as a rookie ODP/tech (i say rookie im yet to start course-start next week, well exited :heartbeat) this is priceless inside info. Its all good b/c I want to be 1 step ahead the whole time.

:thankya:London