new graduate in the OR

ORSmurf · Aug 16, 2005

Hi! I'm a new grad in the OR also, so I can relate to your concerns. I did work in the OR as an LVN/Scrub for 8 years, so at least I already know everyone. I spoke to the director of ICU at the hospital where I work about working there and he said they would work with me as far as orientation whether I started as a new grad or a year or so down the road. I was worried that if I didn't try it now, that I would never be able to. He said that they'd tailor the orientation program based on my needs at the time. That made me feel much better. I LOVE OR nursing - I love the teamwork, the procedures and the fun we have (most of the time). I enjoyed almost every area during clinicals though, and didn't want to stay where I was because it was comfortable... I have done and still do a lot of second guessing about whether I should branch out to another area just to get different experience. On the other hand, if it's not broken, I don't think I should try to fix it!

Thanks for listening :)

Christine

Hi! I was just wondering what you guys think about a new grad going to work in the OR. I just started working last week and I am very excited about being in the OR; however, I am concerned about whether I will be limited (knowledge and skill wise) if I were to ever decide to be a floor nurse. Once I get "settled", should I look for part-time opportunities in a "traditional" nursing role so that I won't lose those skills, or do you think that making the transition from OR nurse to floor nurse won't be to "challenging" if I wanted to do so after a few years? Thanks!

shodobe · Aug 17, 2005

Do a search on this subject. There have been many posters that asked the same question and had many different responses. good luck. mike