new in OR

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · May 10, 2008

Hi I started my OR training program and I feel so neglected... I used to work on the floor and decided to try the OR. I was made to observe cases and I will soon go to a classroom training. The thing is some nurses are very ******... Instead of being supportive to new ones which can be of help in the future they are so territorial and treats you like hell. The educator is also NOT so organized will just leave us behind and let us orient ourselves to the place. Its been 3wks:no: and I'm getting frustrated. I'm not a new grad so I need to learn stuff and do my thing. Does this happen to every OR training program?

Some nurses can be territorial but by the same token, they may have been exposed to orientees that caused problems such as overstepping their bounds, contaminating things etc. Also, some people come through and are gone in a very short time. They may be waiting to see if you are trustworthy. I agree, it can be hard to go through all the steps, especially if you are eager to get going, but the OR is a different beast than the floors. 3 weeks is a small drop in the bucket and you still have much to learn, grasshopper:wink2:.

If your educator is disorganized(and there are some like that) than you may have to take the initiative. Make a list of the surgeries you'd like to learn and the skills you feel you need. Be assertive(not aggressive though) when discussing what you'd like to accomplish/learn.

Many OR orientations last months. 6 to 9 months is the AORN recommendation. Don't push yourself too fast and don't try to take on too much either, because once you are off orientation, you're expected to function pretty much on your own.

OR male nurse · May 11, 2008

Hi I started my OR training program and I feel so neglected... I used to work on the floor and decided to try the OR. I was made to observe cases and I will soon go to a classroom training. The thing is some nurses are very ******... Instead of being supportive to new ones which can be of help in the future they are so territorial and treats you like hell. The educator is also NOT so organized will just leave us behind and let us orient ourselves to the place. Its been 3wks:no: and I'm getting frustrated. I'm not a new grad so I need to learn stuff and do my thing. Does this happen to every OR training program?

Well.. in the (2) different hospitals I've worked at yes. Not sure what the reason is that the OR nurses act like this. But, it will get better I can assure you. Just do the best you can to take notes and learn how to do your basic cases, C-section, Lap Chole, ORIF, Lap Appy, T & A, etc. My best advice after doing this for 3 years is just to take it one day at a time, take notes as to which doctor likes what and keep your chin up. You'll find that there are some nurses that will help you out and other's that will throw you to the sharks. Even after 2 years experience in the OR, I moved to another hospital to work in the OR.. they treated me horribly for the first couple of months. Now, they see that I know what I'm doing and actually ask me for advice because I know how to do things a different way than what they were taught.

The OR can be an absolute blast some days. I enjoy my job overall and love to work in the OR. However, you do need to develop a thick skin and be able to allow insults, etc. to slide off of you.

Hope this helps you out.

chocolateskye · May 11, 2008

I am due to graduate soon is the OR a place willing to take new grads? I am interested in OR and ICU but I am leaning more towards OR everday!

qtRN · Jun 8, 2008

I have had my OR residency program last year and I felt what you are feeling right now. I think we have a similar case. My fellow orientees and I felt like we were having a disorganized orientation and preceptors seem happy when you have done something out of their standards. Some would eat you up even if you have followed the AORN standards because you did not do things "their way" Preceptors want you to imitate them and I don't think it is right because as orientees, we are supposed to do what is ideal and stick to it to prevent errors. I have suggested to our nurse educator and chief nursing officer that preceptors need to have training and understand that orientees need to treated as adults and not children to be picked on in front of the surgical time. We are professionals and should be treated as such. just hang in there. Let's cross our fingers that it would get better. I would suggest that you do your readings about AORN standards and about the surgical procedures because when people observe that you know what you're doing and that you understand the concepts, they will respect you for that.

Rae83 · Jun 9, 2008

Hi I started my OR training program and I feel so neglected... I used to work on the floor and decided to try the OR. I was made to observe cases and I will soon go to a classroom training. The thing is some nurses are very ******... Instead of being supportive to new ones which can be of help in the future they are so territorial and treats you like hell. The educator is also NOT so organized will just leave us behind and let us orient ourselves to the place. Its been 3wks:no: and I'm getting frustrated. I'm not a new grad so I need to learn stuff and do my thing. Does this happen to every OR training program?

I have worked in the OR for 2 years now and have had the opportunity to help train new employees and have students shadow as well. From my point of view that room is "my room" I am responsible for maintaining sterility and safety. I am "territorial", but I also remember that when I was learning I made mistakes too. I always try to explain things in advance instead of after the fact. I found that it was more receptive to ask my preceptors " Can you show me the correct way to do...I haven't done/seen this before" and that shows your interest in learning yet not stepping on toes. And i would tell my preceptor at the beginning of the day " I want to do the prep on this case, will you watch to make sure I do it correctly" Once you let your co-workers know that you are dependable and trustworthy I'm sure you will gain their respect and trust.