New Nurse Call

[NewNursy20]

Hi all, I'm a new OR circulating nurse in a small 4 room hospital. I come off of buddy call in April. I've been on buddy call for a few months, but we weren't ever called in very much. What are some tips and tricks you guys have to help with nerves and stress about huge emergency cases, or any cases in general? Any information would be greatly appreciated! ?

P.S., I've done at least some of everything in general, gynecology, ortho, and urology.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! The scrub person can always be a wealth of info. Some I work with can tell the new circulator where to find items in the supply room (second cart, left hand side, fourth shelf, red bin). 

Remember the basics. Yes, each surgeon/surgery will have its specifics, but the basics of patient interview, checking consents, etc is the same. 

Use your preference cards! If created and maintained correctly, they are like the recipe you need. 

[PDXOR, MSN, RN]

On 3/25/2021 at 4:59 AM, Rose_Queen said:

Don’t be afraid to ask for help! The scrub person can always be a wealth of info. Some I work with can tell the new circulator where to find items in the supply room (second cart, left hand side, fourth shelf, red bin). 

Remember the basics. Yes, each surgeon/surgery will have its specifics, but the basics of patient interview, checking consents, etc is the same. 

Use your preference cards! If created and maintained correctly, they are like the recipe you need. 

I agree with all of this! Every surgery is built off the basics. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember that a surgery will never go forever even if it feels like it will. You'll get through it!