Going back to the OR

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

I've just accepted a position at a largelevel 1 teaching hospital in the OR. I have 1 yr OR experience in a level 1 teaching hospital, but, granted, it was my first year, and much of that year was on "orientation". So, now, with this new job, how long so you think will be sufficient to get acclimated, and take call? They said 3-4 months, more if needed, nobody is thrown to the wolves, they told me. I was just wondering what you guys thought.....I am nervous, but excited....I deffinitely know what to focus on now, know what questions to ask, etc...I remember walking through those double doors for the first time, not knowing *what* to expect......

Insight, please? Also, I am definitely not a seasoned OR nurse, and have much to learn, but I also have a little more experience than someone who has never been in the OR.......so, I was wondering how I balance this? Do I present myself as a novice, beginner, what? I am also talking about coworker relations, politics, etc.......I dont want to give people the impression I am a know it all,because I am certainly not, but I am not completely clueless, either, kwim?:coollook:

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Haven't seen you in a while! Congrats to the new position! If i remember correctly i think you pretty much did everything at your other place and you seem to know what you were doing. I think you will acclimate pretty quickly. 3-4 months is great and its awesome that they don't throw you to the wolves. Not sure on how to present yourself cuz you're really not a beginner. Someone mentioned you're still considered a new nurse with 1 year or less experience on your own. There are days that i feel like a total beginner and it sucks. Well i know its not much help but i mainly wanted to drop you a line to say hi and congrats.

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I agree with IsseyM. You will be fine. The only pointers that I can give are the ones you already know because you have already been there; done that. Just a reminder; remember not to compare (I.e. “We did it this way at my last facility”).

You should present yourself for how you are. Most people interpret the terms; novice, beginner, experienced, etc…differently. Let them know what you have done and what is new rather than using one of these terms.

Best of luck!!!

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

thanks, Issey,ewatts....

Yup, I pretty much did everything at the other place, but thats my issue...I seem to know maybe a little about alot of areas? I dunno...Im just fretting...and I remember where i worked before--travelers used to always say how that hospital did things so different--but I had nothing to compare it to....Which , btw, good point on not getting hung up on "we did it this way there, etc'"

I just dont want the staff to hear "oh, shea an experienced OR nurse", and then think I am a veteran or something, when in reality, I know enough to be safe and competent, but I have tons more to learn, ya know>>>

I thank you for your support and advice!!!!

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Specializes in OR Hearts 10.
thanks, Issey,ewatts....

I just dont want the staff to hear "oh, shea an experienced OR nurse", and then think I am a veteran or something, when in reality, I know enough to be safe and competent, but I have tons more to learn, ya know>>>

I thank you for your support and advice!!!!

I was a private scrub for an oral surgery practice for 12 years, doing cases in the same OR I work at now. We moved away and I went to nursing school, then worked the floor and then a 1 OR, 25 bed hospital. So a lot of folks thought I knew more than I did. After not quite 2 years here I still feel lost during a lot of cases.

Good luck

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