CNOR study guide-good for new RN?

[IVyPush-her]

Hi everyone,

I am a recent grad from nursing school and now work in the operating room. I have been doing an internship in the OR for the last year. I really enjoy the OR and would like to learn as much as possible. Do you recommend I read the CNOR study guide and standards as a way to learn more specifically about the OR?

I am an impatient person and want to learn as much as possible to do my job accurately. I read all the policies in my department but feel that there is sooo much more that I need to read about.

Anybody have the CNOR study guide that is willing to sell it? I went to the AORN website and found the book but I really do not want to spend $50.00 for it since It could be out of date by the time that I take the CNOR exam in a few years.

Thanks

Julie

[grimmy, RN]

i don't think it's a bad thing to want to look at cnor, but i also think that alexander's care of the patient in the or (title?) is a better guide for beginners. cnor is overarching, to be sure, but it doesn't give as much detail, history, or basic framework. besides, it was not so long ago that i started out in the or (less than a year ago) and i was impatient, too. it is a huge amount of stress to try to cram all the information into your brain. i had a 6-9 month training process, and by 3-4 months, i was ready to tear my hair out. don't get me wrong: i love my job, and wouldn't change it for the world. the process is just intense. give yourself all the time as you can to learn. i am still in the learning process, and i imagine i will be for some time to come. give yourself the luxury of learning at a controlled pace - and - take good care of yourself.

[surginurse]

Most hospitals have Clinical Nurse Educators. Find out if you have one, and use that valuable resource. You should be able to borrow any reference material, without having to pay. If you haven't already, consider joining AORN, as they are a wonderful resource.