Difference in atmosphere between OR nurses and Med-Surg nursing?

[nrsbaby2be]

I was just looking at a post on another thread in which a new grad, only in the first couple months on a med-surg floor, was totally harrassed by her co-workers to horrible proportions. I was wondering what the atmosphere is like in the OR when there is a new grad in training. Do they look upon this new grad as an interloper? I understand that there is a great deal of responsibility and hard work needed, but in comparison are there cliques that shut out other nurses in the OR, like there seems to be on some med-surg floors?

[rudyann]

I am also new in the OR but I find that my co-workers are very supportive and very much willing to share their knowledge and expertise in "young OR nurse" like me. They are not eating me, they are molding me. With regards to the surgeons, generally, they are great to work with, sometimes I hear some of them saying not too good words but its not directed to the nurses nor to anybody else, it's just that they are under pressure especially with difficult cases.

[passionate]

I love being a science major and practicing science and the humanities in the OR. Touble shooting, problem solving for the patient and the surgical team is fascinating. Most of the surgery nurses I know have never thought of working in another dept. and when they do they return to OR.

[BloodNGuts]

It doesn't matter if you are a new grad or an old hag RN, if you are new to the OR, you are fresh meat. I had to really harden myself when I was the new kid on the block or I would not still be an OR nurse. No question about it, OR nurses eat their young.

[brewerpaul]

I guess the hospital you work in makes a huge difference. I'm a new grad who started in the OR just two weeks ago. From the moment I stepped in the door, people simply could not have been nicer. Everyone has gone WAY out of their way to help me and make me feel welcom. I haven't had a single bad experience.

If at all possible, try to shadow an OR nurse at whatever hospitals you're interested in and get a feel for the OR atmosphere at that hospital. If you don't feel welcomed or comfortable there, stay away!

[JHRN2BE]

I am new to the OR (it's been about 5 weeks) and love it! My preceptors have been helpful and are right there with me guiding me as I prep the patient, position, paperwork, etc. It is an EXTREMELY stressful position with SO MUCH to learn. Don't worry about catty nurses. If it's what you enjoy, then go for it! OR orientation can take 6 mos. and that is a long time for anyone to be working with a new grad. It takes a great deal of patience!!! But as a PP stated, if you are putting for the effort to perform new skills and get in there, then it is easier on you.

Best of luck!