Hey, I just graduated from nursing school, and was lucky enough to get a position as an OR Nurse - I am going through a very thorough training regimen which I am told will be around 9 months. I start Periop 101 next week. I am so excited. I have only been at the hospital for 3 weeks. So far, I've spent the time doing a bunch of required training modules, going over new orientee paperwork, observing a few operations, spending a day in PACU, another day in pre-op, and spending 2 weeks in sterile processing in order to learn a whole slew of instruments: which instruments go for which operation - how they are sterilized and where they are stored. I have gained a new-found respect for skin hooks! I also take almost as much pride in having finally broken in my Dansko's as I did when I passed the NCLEX last week. I know I must be in the "honeymoon" phase because I look forward to every day - learning something new. I love the names of the instruments, I love handling them, my colleagues are great, and right now, not too much is expected of me. I know all this will change at some point. I am sure there will be days (and nights) when I am very tired. But I am so glad nursing school is over! I am so glad I am where I really want to be - I was very lucky to get this position. I am sure I will be posting here more over time. I am also very interested in other OR nurse's experiences and stories. Take care,
It's going great. I really love the OR. I have so much still to learn, even after 7 months. I have different preceptors daily - which is good in some ways, and not so good in others. Some people are not born teachers, lol. I have good days and bad days. Most days I get about 80% of circulating right. I know the basics about what to do, in what order, and trying to anticipate what comes next. Right now, I am very focused on the technical aspects - how to work the equipment, how to hook up the connections, where to look for certain instruments, equipment, etc. I am very literal right now. For example, if a preference card is out dated and has incorrect information, I don't have the skills to figure it out. Such as, it might say C-Arm needed, but the procedure doesn't really call for a C-Arm, or the preference card may specify certain meds or sutures, but the surgeon likes a different sort than what is written. This is me in a nutshell: Surgeon: We need a Zebra for this procedure. Me: I'M ON IT!!! I don't think about whether a Zebra is actually needed, I just think - I need a Zebra right now! I can run up to the zoo and get one! It's a silly example, but I think it illustrates that I am not thinking critically yet.
It's going great. I really love the OR. I have so much still to learn, even after 7 months. I have different preceptors daily - which is good in some ways, and not so good in others. Some people are not born teachers, lol. I have good days and bad days. Most days I get about 80% of circulating right. I know the basics about what to do, in what order, and trying to anticipate what comes next. Right now, I am very focused on the technical aspects - how to work the equipment, how to hook up the connections, where to look for certain instruments, equipment, etc. I am very literal right now. For example, if a preference card is out dated and has incorrect information, I don't have the skills to figure it out. Such as, it might say C-Arm needed, but the procedure doesn't really call for a C-Arm, or the preference card may specify certain meds or sutures, but the surgeon likes a different sort than what is written. This is me in a nutshell: Surgeon: We need a Zebra for this procedure. Me: I'M ON IT!!! I don't think about whether a Zebra is actually needed, I just think - I need a Zebra right now! I can run up to the zoo and get one! It's a silly example, but I think it illustrates that I am not thinking critically yet.
that is so good to hear! I think I would like to be apart of am OR team, but I haven't actually been in the OR before so I can't say for sure. I see some on here who hate the OR, so it's definitely encouraging to see someone new and facing challenges that still enjoys it!
treat your scub's and support techs well. often they know what you don't since your just starting. Many times the scrub's are service, and surgeon specific. They know what and how the docs do their cases. Be nice to them and they will be nice to you. Act like you know it all, and we will see if you do. It's a relationship for sure. i can make my scubs life hell and they can return the favor. You will be tested by MD's and everyone along the way. If you pay attention, work hard, and get along, it is noticed. Have fun, there are a lot of good times to be had once everyone gets to know you.
It's going great. I really love the OR. I have so much still to learn, even after 7 months. I have different preceptors daily - which is good in some ways, and not so good in others. Some people are not born teachers, lol. I have good days and bad days. Most days I get about 80% of circulating right. I know the basics about what to do, in what order, and trying to anticipate what comes next. Right now, I am very focused on the technical aspects - how to work the equipment, how to hook up the connections, where to look for certain instruments, equipment, etc. I am very literal right now. For example, if a preference card is out dated and has incorrect information, I don't have the skills to figure it out. Such as, it might say C-Arm needed, but the procedure doesn't really call for a C-Arm, or the preference card may specify certain meds or sutures, but the surgeon likes a different sort than what is written. This is me in a nutshell: Surgeon: We need a Zebra for this procedure. Me: I'M ON IT!!! I don't think about whether a Zebra is actually needed, I just think - I need a Zebra right now! I can run up to the zoo and get one! It's a silly example, but I think it illustrates that I am not thinking critically yet.
Awww! This is great to hear. Your post makes me smile! Thanks for keeping us updated! Any suggestions on how to get a job in OR or how to look appealing as a new grad? Also, I hear people say you need tough skin to work there because of the personalities. Do you think this is true?
Awww! This is great to hear. Your post makes me smile! Thanks for keeping us updated! Any suggestions on how to get a job in OR or how to look appealing as a new grad? Also, I hear people say you need tough skin to work there because of the personalities. Do you think this is true?
thanks!!
Well, I do think you need to be tough, and not to take too much personally. Some people are crabby because they've taken call the night before and are sleep deprived. Just keep learning, and don't give up. As to how to make yourself an attractive candidate, I think ANY O.R. experience you can get, such as shadowing, will help your application, plus an enthusiasm to work in the OR. Training a new OR nurse can take 6-12 months, so that is a big investment for the hospital. They need to know that you are committed to staying there, even after your orientation period is over.
Yellow Scrubs
12 Posts
It's going great. I really love the OR. I have so much still to learn, even after 7 months. I have different preceptors daily - which is good in some ways, and not so good in others. Some people are not born teachers, lol. I have good days and bad days. Most days I get about 80% of circulating right. I know the basics about what to do, in what order, and trying to anticipate what comes next. Right now, I am very focused on the technical aspects - how to work the equipment, how to hook up the connections, where to look for certain instruments, equipment, etc. I am very literal right now. For example, if a preference card is out dated and has incorrect information, I don't have the skills to figure it out. Such as, it might say C-Arm needed, but the procedure doesn't really call for a C-Arm, or the preference card may specify certain meds or sutures, but the surgeon likes a different sort than what is written. This is me in a nutshell: Surgeon: We need a Zebra for this procedure. Me: I'M ON IT!!! I don't think about whether a Zebra is actually needed, I just think - I need a Zebra right now! I can run up to the zoo and get one! It's a silly example, but I think it illustrates that I am not thinking critically yet.