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Discussion

New Grad thinking about OR?

Hello! Thanks in advance for taking the time to read! I am a new grad BSN in the Cleveland area. I have experience being a nurse intern and a nursing assistant on a peds floor in a large urban hospital (Cleveland Clinic). Right now, I have no idea what area I want to get into. A prospective OR position at University Hospitals sort of just fell into my lap. I said "why not" and applied. Now I have an interview scheduled.

I've shadowed in the OR numerous times during my internship and through nursing school. Things I like about it include the structured roles, the fact that it's very team-oriented, participating in new and exciting procedures, the fast pace... However, It's very different from the traditional nursing we learned about in school. After reading some old threads about new grads being traumatized after starting in the OR, I'm conflicted if this is the best route to go down.

The job description says there will be a 10-12 week training program with classroom time, simulations, mock surgeries, and preceptor experience. After that we will continue training into different specialties. Is that enough time to gain the knowledge I'll need to be successful? Am I in way over my head as a new grad? Do I need to be 200% committed to OR nursing or is it okay to consider this a "let's see where this takes me" sort of deal? What does it take to be a bada** periop nurse? Any input is appreciated! :)

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    While you may see threads here from new grads who did not thrive in the OR, there are probably more stories of new grads who did. Think about it- if you had a good experience or a bad experience, which would have you more motivated to be venting about online? I was a new grad in the OR. I survived, I thrived, and I'm continuing to thrive as I enter my second decade of OR nursing.

    If you head to the main OR forum page, click on articles and FAQs. You'll find lots of advice there for those new to OR nursing, including my tips article.

    As for training, the classroom time sounds adequate, but how long will you be orienting in various specialties? A good OR orientation should last about 6-9 months total. Mine was 6 months of 2 days/week classroom with the rest of the week working one on one with a preceptor. The next 3 months were working on my own but with a nurse free as a resource for every 3 new nurses who had just gone solo.

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