New to the OR

[smp126]

I was wondering if anyone would be willing to give me some tips. I am a new nurse to the OR. I have previous experience as a RN for two years on an acute medical/ IMC floor. I have been in the OR for about 4 weeks now. I have been told to give myself a year until I feel comfortable but I feel that I should be knowing more/catching on quicker. I am currently bringing the patient back on my own, doing the assessments and for the most part positioning. I feel that I should be more competent at this stage. Im having difficulty with remembering what equipment they need for cases (ESUs vs robot etc) as well as names of supplies and what they are/used for. Any tips on what I can be doing?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Come on over and join us in the OR forum! I recommend this thread: https://allnurses.com/operating-room-nursing/tips-for-new-1001302.html (not that I'm biased or anything) as well as pretty much everything under the FAQ and articles tabs.

[gamomof2]

Start a notebook. Write down the surgeons name, the procedure and a list of important info. Bovie settings, preferred positioning, equipment, cell phone number, glove size. Does your OR utilize preference cards or pick lists? Our system allows for equipment to be listed and at the end of the sheet has a place for free text notes. This might help.