New Grad OR Nurse Feeling Alone and Unsupported

[nocturnallife]

Hey Allnurse Family!

So I'm a new grad working in the OR as a circulator nurse. I was initially excited but now I'm feeling of depressed. OR nursing is very different from floor nursing. The skills a circulator nurse utilizes is very specialized. But I'm ok with that I feel like the role of a circulator nurse suits my personality.

The problem I'm having is with the orientation. On my first day on the unit I wasn't even given a tour so I have no idea how to find things. I have identified some areas on my own but I still feel like I'm completely lost. So far I have only been observing and so for the past 3 day I've been assigned to a nurse. The nurse I was given on day 1 and 2 was nice but not very good at explaining things to someone that's new. I tried to ask as much question's as I could think of but I know very little about the area. Once I ran out of questions I was pretty much just in the OR doing nothing. I watched what the other staff was doing and tried to help as much as I could but ultimately I felt like I was receiving little guidance. On my third day, I was assigned a nurse that barely spoke to me at all. She pretty much explained nothing unless I asked a question.

This situation is very frustrating for me because it's my first job as new RN and I want to do well. Secondly, I moved out-of-state for this job. I haven't been assigned a preceptor as yet but I'm hoping things will improve.

So should I talk with the educator or someone? I really just don't know what to do.

I feel like I need to be more assertive and speak up about my needs. But I'm just not sure how to go about it.

Also when I was in the OR observing a surgery one of the team members asked me to get something and spoke to me like I should now where the item was. I did not like that. I'm new and I did not think it's fair.

I've notice that the anesthesia providers and surgeons treat there subordinates like colleagues. They are patient and supportive. I feel like most experienced nurses I have encounter don't treat new grads like colleagues at all.

ANY ADVICE OR THOUGHTS IS APPRECIATED!!

Thank you :)

BTW I bought surg tech books and other books about learning the OR environment and procedures. Any ideas on a good book would also be appreciated.

[nocturnallife, ASN, RN]

Thank you for all the kind words and support. It's weird to come back now and read what I went through. It's been close to a year and I find myself in a similar situation now! Lol. So I'll give you an update..

I started in a very small or. 3 rooms and one endo. I feel like it took me a good 6 to 7 months to finally start feeling comfortable. I downloaded an app and put all my own notes on every doctor. Then we started slowing way down and I was getting called off 3 days a pay period plus getting sent home early. I can't pay my student loans with that! They also hired a new nurse so I know I'd be put on the back burner, not getting in cases and cleaning. If you're a new nurse do not go to a small hospital, unless you plan to stay ther.

So I left and started in a hospital with 10 ORs and a separate endo. Much bigger. Come to find out they are severely understaffed. They have just as many nurses as I did at my first job...but, 10 times busier. They also do things that shouldn't be aloud. Nurses will chart on things that the doctors or nurses won't do. So I've had 9 months experience in a very small hospital and they are already trying to put me in cases by myself with doctors I don't know, equipment ivr never used and a facility I've never even been given a tour of (and I've asked). I've only been there a week! Lol.

I think nursing is just crazy now. Like what is wrong with hospitals these days? It's a person's life and I shouldn't be put in these situations. Then it looks bad if I keep leaving my job and finding other work. So I'm not sure what I'll do. As an or nurse you don't have a lot of people around. You could get called in and be by yourself. It's just a bit scary.

That is the exact situation I'm in as a new grad rn with no experience. I'm expected to circulate in 7 different specialities on my own by 6 months. The facility is big. I also will be in surgeries with docs I'm not familiar with and equipment I've never operated. I will be expected to figure it out. I'm certain the surgeons are going to get impatient and yell at me. I'm considering switching to cvor or maybe Opthamalogy. Not because I dont want to learn the other services but because I feel the training is inadequate.

[RobtheORNurse]

The OR is the toughest place to work but it is also the best place to work. There is indeed a very steep learning curve and it is not for everyone. It takes a year or more to feel comfortable there. Find someone you work with that you trust and talk to them about it. Also, your educator should be a resource for you.

[Juliana_Zumba]

I am starting my program in OR as a new grad in 1 month . Any suggestions what can study before my program begins? Thank you

[nocturnallife, ASN, RN]

I know this was posted in may but i am in the SAME. EXACT position. I actually thought this was my post because i couldn't remember my username!

Everything from no support to meaningless work to even noticing how the anaes staff is vs scrub scout nurses interact

We have 5 theatres and i havent learned anything for 3 months now. Im so frustrated at the uncaring NUM and no support.

Im being shoved in PACU 2 because of low activity....

Well I survived a year in my OR it was my first job and I also relocated for the position. Their is definitely a lack of mutual respect. Some of the Doctors and scrub technician treat the CRNAs better than they treat the circ nurses. This job almost made me want to quit nursing because of how poorly I was treated. Many travel nurses told me my environment was hostile. They advice me to get my year and move on. Anyway, I'm over it! I got my year. I have several job offers and I'm just hoping I end up in a better work place.

I know there are better ORs out there. Please don't give up of you like being a circ nurse. Just keep growing!!

[nocturnallife, ASN, RN]

I am starting my program in OR as a new grad in 1 month . Any suggestions what can study before my program begins? Thank you

Sorry for the late response. My hospital offered Periop 101 which was very helpful. Also this book is a wealth of information Alexander's Surgical Procedures. I bought the ebook and downloaded it to my phone bc it was way cheaper.

[AmantesDelSol]

Pocket Guide to the Operating Room is a good book to read. There is a pdf version that you can download by Googling to book name. I started in the OR as a new grad and I was not happy for the first 5 months. I felt I wasn't trained properly and was thrown into situations I was not prepared for. It took a good 6 months to feel like I might have a clue what I am doing.

The best advice I can offer is to take care of your scrub techs. They can be more helpful than your fellow nurses. Check in with them and make sure they have everything they need.