How long for orientation?

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Mar 6, 2008

The usual is about 6 to 9 months, although I've seen as long as a year and as short as a couple of months..I think it depends somewhat on if you have previous experience, etc.

OR_nurse_Britt · Mar 8, 2008

my orientation to the OR was a very intense 6 months and i learned to scrub and circulate. it was the perfect amount of orientation. good luck!

mooneyes65 · Mar 11, 2008

I am also a new RN in the OR. I was told my orientation is 6 months (give or take). I started mid Nov. and have been circulating alone since like end of January. I have not started taking call or scrubbin in yet. We circulate on all cases since we are a small hospital. Mainly general stuff and OB/GYN, ENT, ortho, eyes, some plastics and some spinal. Though we getting new ortho who does spinal work. I havent done any eye cases and only 1 hip case (with help). I've been told the bulk of ortho training is done on call however lately they are getting those that are 'weak' in ortho into the rooms. Good luck....

MamaCheese · Mar 12, 2008

My orientation was 4 weeks in the classroom doing the AORN periop program and 6 months in the OR of just circulating, no scrubbing at all. It was very intense and although I've been off orientation for 4 months I'm still learning each and every day and don't feel like I'll be up to speed for at least another 6 months. It's true what they say. You have to give the OR a full year before you get even a baseline level of comfort in there.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2008

I have been offered an Internship that will last 9 months at a teaching hospital.

RNBelle · Mar 12, 2008

yeah, cross your fingers for me. i dont think my orientation will be anywhere near as long as 6 months.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Mar 12, 2008

Best of luck to you!

My OR Nurse Educator recommended to me to purchase the AORN standards book....not sure of the exact name right at the moment.

She said it comes out around April, so make sure to get the newest edition. She said it costs around $100, but it would a great investment.....sort of an OR bible.

maeyken · Mar 17, 2008

Our orientation is about 14 weeks, and that's for scrubbing and circulating. I can't imagine 6 months or more!! wow :)

ShariDCST · Mar 18, 2008

best of luck to you!
my or nurse educator recommended to me to purchase the aorn standards book....not sure of the exact name right at the moment.
she said it comes out around april, so make sure to get the newest edition. she said it costs around $100, but it would a great investment.....sort of an or bible.

it's also tax deductible next year when you file, if you itemize. :)

Fun2, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2008

Thanks for the tip! :up:

SandraCVRN · Mar 23, 2008

yeah, cross your fingers for me. i dont think my orientation will be anywhere near as long as 6 months.

I think it will depend on "how small" small is. I worked in a 2 OR 25 bed hospital where we did a very limited variety of procedures. So was circulating on my own after a couple weeks. Of course in that small of an area my supervisor and the other RN were very close at hand for any questions or needs. Also our other team memebers were VERY helpful.

Good luck