New Grad w/passion, but NO experience!...Over my head??

[OkieNurse918]

I graduated from my nursing program in December and will soon take the NCLEX.

I had one clinical rotation in the OR and have imagined myself there ever since; I was fascinated! I was told repeatedly that it would be a process to get my foot in the door, but I just accepted a position as a circulator! They also said they will train me to scrub! I am so unbelievably excited and so nervous!

I was recently told, however, that "surgery will eat a girl like you alive"...

I have absolutely no experience in a healthcare setting outside of nursing school and clinical rotations. When I mentioned this to the director it didn't even seem to phase her, but I've received reactions like the one above and how "brave" I am to work in the OR without previous experience, so naturally I have begun to worry.

Are they right? Will I be in over my head and regret not starting in something like med-surg? I bought a few books to familiarize myself with what I can before I begin and am will soon be enrolled in Periop 101. Any opinion from you all would be so appreciated!

[JennValdez]

I am in a similiar situation. I was goinn opt for Tele, but gotta follow my dream and stick to Periops. Started in healthcare 5 years ago as a orderly, then CNA, then critical care, now a nurse. The OR is amazing and I wish you the best of luck!

[LAM2010, BSN]

The OR is definitely challenging but in such a good way! I went in straight out of nursing school (I was a customer service rep before I was a nurse). Just take lots of initiative and don't give up. There will be hard days, as with any nursing job, but once you get into it you'll be so glad you did. It's a great job.