Lefthanded in the OR??

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Specializes in Perioperative Services.

Hi all,

I am graduating with my BSN in August and would love to start in the OR right after school. I am left-handed.

Does anyone have any feedback about dexterity problems in the OR for left-handed people? I love to use my hands and I am a fairly dexterous person, but I have had problems at times using scissors and using other right-handed tools. Does this matter? Probably not for a circulating role, right?

Might be a silly question, but something I have to consider getting into this field. I would hate to be trying to mirror a procedure on my left side and have people struggle to teach me. Thanks for the advice ✌

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I am left handed and am able to use either hand. I do not have any problem. I stand on left side of patient to insert foley Cath, use scissors with my right hand, assist anesthesia mostlu on left side of patient but am able to do either side.  You will be amazed at what you adapt to. Don’t let left handed ness keep you from doing what you dream. Best of luck in the OR. I love it and have been working the OR for 19 years 

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I'm a lefty who spent 12 years direct clinical before moving into staff development. Had no issues with circulating, and the only issue I really struggled with in the scrub role was learning to suture- it was just not clicking trying to translate the actions of all the right handed teammates to my left handedness.

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Specializes in Perioperative Services.

Thank you both so much for these comments! I might have to make some adjustments, but it shouldn't stop me from pursuing a career in this setting. Very helpful!

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Specializes in Operating Room RN.

Your hands will soon adapt to your needs, though I am right handed.

During the training period, my buddy nurse would tell me to hide my R hand under the mayo tray, or fix on something else during scrubbing, so I can practice using my L hand receiving and passing instrument. I am able to do either comfortably now. 

Circulating in the OR shouldn't be too challenging either! you will like it in the OR! ?

 

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Specializes in OR.

I did get in trouble during orientation for a left handed moment. The anesthesiologist made a complaint that I was standing on the left side of the patient during intubation so my manager put me on an additional week or orientation!! I'm not sure what the problem was. She never said anything to me about it; just complained to my manager.

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