Novice at O.R.: Help!

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After almost two years of being a bum, i finally landed a job (well, i'll still start as a trainee). yesterday, the chief nurse talked to me and wanted me to start next week, and she assigned me at the O.R. i am thrilled that at last i will be able to practice my profession, but my dilemma is that i don't have working experience when it comes to O.R., i had never been employed and my only experience would be my on-the-job-training last year and was rotated at E.R., medical and surgical ward only. im excited and nervous at the same time. any tips you could give?

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tell the chief nurse about things that you dont know...be honest to her...maybe she could surely help you

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Try to read books about managing surgical instruments (knowledge is power!). And maybe try to research some videos about surgical instruments or being a scrub nurse and circulating nurse, and familiarize yourself with instruments that are needed during a certain operating procedure. Maybe the chief nurse wouldn't let you assist in complicated cases yet so you have time to observe and learn. Good luck!

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Basic is necessary.

What you're co-nurses will teach you are SOPs, and your hospital's policies and flow of the work. At least, that's what I've been through last month..

Congrats on your new work..

Don't hesitate to ask questions, especially, those that need crucial decisions. You'll get through it after 2 weeks or so.. Sometimes when you see things, it's your "nurse intuition" that will help you decide.

Gudluck..

May I ask what's the name of your hospital?

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thanks monita25 :nuke:

nurseruby1206, that's what i've been doing since monday... i'm also trying to refresh my knowledge. trying to reminisce when i scrub during my college days. thanks for the tips :bow:

pofi, thanks for the additional info :yeah:

it's VRPMC, in mandaluyong. so you've been there, from what hospital? how was it?

thank you all for the tips you had shared... im trying to suppress my anxiety. i hope i do well on monday....

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Don't be shy to ask around about the basics things that you need to know. They must have an orientation period for newbies like you so that you'll get familiarized with your new workplace. Also, try to be sensitive about what you need to do and not just wait to get instructed. Good luck! Give us an update on how it's going. ^^

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@babypinktoes_08

I'm here in Pampanga right now, as it's very hard to land a job in the metro. Our hospital name is Our Lady of Mt Carmel Medical Center.

I've been in the ward for 3 weeks then for some unknown reason they transfered me to the ICU. I'm very fortunate of my co-nurses because they are very supportive and welcomes every questions I asked them. Hope you also do!

Gudluck again.

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mickeeey. thanks for your advice :wink2: i'll keep that in mind.

3 days to go.... i hope i could easily adapt to the environment... im nervous :heartbeat

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pofi, i think i've heard of that hospital.

thank you for your advice... i'll update you all after a week :nuke:

wish me luck :nurse:

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Specializes in OR CHN.

Practice open/closed gloving technique, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Congratulations on landing the job!

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jitan06, thank you for your advice :wink2:

it was my first day today and im trying to absorb all the skills, protocols and procedures as much as i can... i wish i could be insensitive for the next three weeks... im preparing myself if in case my seniors would yell at me (i hope they won't but i know its inevitable) im lucky cause im not the only one whose novice in the area, but i am the newest addition to the team... lucky in the sense that, they had served as my preceptors for the day... they did most of the orientation... unlike when they were in my shoe, its like survival of the fittest!

hope i do well... please pray for me :dzed:

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Specializes in SICU, Burn Unit, PACU, CCU.

I just prayed for you.

Well, I was once rotated in an OR for a few months. My circulating nurse used to always laugh at me because she would constantly remind me that I'm already unsterile (she is very strict guys, im telling you) even before the surgery would begin. At the end of my rotation, I was already a pro in that specific Operating Room. I would already anticipate what the doctor would use. Being an OR nurse is all about being familiar with the instruments used, being mindful of the sponge count, anticipating the needed instruments, and being mindful of the aseptic technique. That's it!

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