Got an OR internship..now what?

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I am in my final semester of nursing school (Accelerated BSN) and managed to get placement in the main OR at a local hospital for my internship. The internship is full time, 216 hrs, and starts in a couple weeks. I haven't been able to talk with my preceptor yet but was hoping to pick everyone heres brains a little. We didn't have an opportunity to rotate through the OR but have been drawn to OR nursing since deciding to go to nursing school. I am the only student in our class to get a spot in the OR.

So...wise OR people, what can I do to make the most of my experience and make a good impression. Are there textbooks I should order, mistakes I can learn from? Anything really. I am so excited a little terrified :)

OK, first off, don't fall for the Otis elevator trick. Orthopedic surgeons think that is hilarious. Second, there is only ONE kind of sterile sleeve no L or R residents think this is hilarious...whatever.

Thanks for the tips! I am glad everyone is saying that asking questions in generally well received because I LOVE to ask questions. I will of course check with my preceptor and surgeon first. I bought the pocket guide to the OR and hopefully I will have access to other resources at the hospital so I can get an idea for the cases ahead of me.

I start bright at early (6:30!) tomorrow morning! So excited!

Thanks everyone for the kind and encouraging words! Not all nurses eat their young :D

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

I am also doing preceptorship in OR and in last semester of absn program! I just finished my first week. I just wanted anywhere in Peds and got the Peds OR. It will be overwhelming but focus first on learning circulating. Set goals for yourself every week. The first two days I felt very intimidated I am not going to lie. But today all the surgeons, anesthesiologists, and RN first assists knew me by name. Be right in there for everything, help hold the patient, cover them with a blanket. They will see your effort and that you truly are motivated. The OR is a very specialized area and you don't want them to think of you as just another student. Good luck and I hope you update this so I can get advice from you also!

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Hi CNA Sam!

Well I finished my first two days! Got to see four surgeries and helped out as much as I could (which isn't that much!). My preceptor is pretty awesome and the rest of the staff has been welcoming. The hardest part is standing ALL day! That is going to take some time to get use to for sure. I really like the atmosphere and the camaraderie between the team members. Hope your preceptorship is going well!

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

Well, tomorrow is my last day! I said I keep updating. What a journey! I am SO confused:). One minute, this is EXACTLY what I want to do. Next minute, what the heck was I thinking, could I ever be right for this? But the staff have a been wonderful and the director even told me I was hired. If it weren't for the fact the next week they laid off six nurses I would have taken him seriously. The OR is a completely different world. Tommorrow I get to scrub which I am excited about.

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