New Grad OR Nurse Here

anita_li17 · Apr 23, 2011

what do you mean a new grad OR nurse??? did you just graduate and get your license and will be working in the OR?? or did you get your certification as an OR nurse??? thanks for the clarification =)

redraider1977 · Apr 23, 2011

Just graduated with RN and hired into the OR.

SnowStar4 · Apr 24, 2011

You could get an instrument book with pictures and learn some names and maybe Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery or a similar book. Other than that, enjoy your time off!! You will be busy soon enough :)

anita_li17 · Apr 24, 2011

THATS AWESOME!! how did you get hired into the OR as a new grad??? where are you?? i would LOOOVE to be able to do that once i graduate!!!

When we started our clinical rotations in the OR, we were told to read from books that are on the AORN suggested reading for taking the certification exam (to be an OR nurse)... the berry and kohns is really good!! and just read up on any new articles or ANYTHING involving the OR.

and learning the instruments is a great idea!! especially by sets!

good luck!!!! and im sure you'll do GREAT!!!

redraider1977 · Apr 24, 2011

Thanks for the advice, been reading some of the AORN magazines. I got a job in a new grad OR internship. The hospital is very big about bringing in new grads and keeping them.

anita_li17 · Apr 24, 2011

awesome!!! I hope to find a hospital like that once i graduate!!! Ive been getting pretty worried hearing about all these new grads that can't find any jobs! not even in areas they're not that interested in!

redraider1977 · Apr 24, 2011

I know. Im in Dallas and most of my class cant even get interviews, but you just gotta start looking for a job day one of nursing school. School was never the issue with me, I knew finding a job would be the hardest thing. If you are able to go anywhere, you will find a job. Its all about who you know, not what you know. Sucks, but the truth. Use all avenues!!!!

mustangmona · Apr 28, 2011

redraider1977 - Where in Dallas did you get the OR internship? What all did they ask you during your interview? I have an interview for an OR internship position and I'm really nervous about it.

redraider1977 · Apr 28, 2011

I got a position at Scott and White in Temple. They have a very established internship program which is very important for starting out right in the OR. My interview was very casual. Mostly about why I chose the OR. About myself. Good luck on ur Interview. Just be honest and yourself.

mustangmona · Apr 28, 2011

Thanks & Good Luck to you. I'll keep you guys posted.

billyrec · May 1, 2011

I was actually just in your situation about 6 months ago. I was hired straight out of school when I graduated in August. I went through an orientation at my hospital and they showed me the role of circulating very well. You need to find out if your hospital wants you to scrub and circulate or just circulate, some hospitals just want a nurse to circulate. At mine we actually do both. I had a few of the experienced scrub techs teach me everything. Books can help but alot of it is repetitive use with the instruments. Don't be afraid to scrub, the doctors don't bite. Just be ready, everything you learned in clinicals doesn't apply in the OR. Basically its a completely different aspect of nursing. If there is anything that I can do to help you let me know from one new nurse to another.