OR Advice

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Hello Fellow Nurses!

I recently graduated last May, took and passed NCLEX last month, and just accepted a position working in the OR. I don't start work until September 10th so I was wondering if anybody has some advice on what I should do to prepare so I don't look so clueless when I start work! Anybody recommend any books or websites? Any help would be really appreciated!

Thanks,

Gene, RN

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Here's the website of the Association of Operating Room Nurses. They have an online store with books.

http://www.aorn.org/AORNJournal/

I would ask your new boss if you can borrow textbooks. Most O.R.'s have operating room books. Also, ask if you can get copies of preference cards. Preference cards are a circulator's best friend.

Also, find out if your hospital has a medical library.

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Specializes in Psych, substance abuse, MR-DD.

I start training September 10th too. I have taken out a few books from my Hospital's Library. I only fully read one, and the others I have been skimming through. The one a read was Essentials of Perioperative Nursing by Cynthis Spry. I don't work in the OR yet so I don't know if it is good or what, but it is a pretty easy read and I found it enjoyable. You might want to check out OR-live.com too, where you can watch videos of some procedures.

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This one was recommended to me when I started in the OR and I love it:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-2374684-5506220?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=alexander%27s+care+of+the+patient

The newest edition is around $85, but I bought the previous edition used for about $35 and it's just fine.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

I book that you might find useful, if you can find it, is "Pocket Guide to the Operating Room" by Maxine A. Goldman.

This book will fit into your jacket pocket and gives you a lot of detail in a little package such as:

Definition (of procedure)

Procedure itself (in simple steps)

Preparation of the Patient

Skin Preparation

Equipment

Supplies

Special Notes (such as common hazards, things to watch out for).

It covers the majority of the more common surgeries that you will see in the OR and is one of the most valuable tools you will have with you while learning the basics.

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Thanks everybody for the helpful info! I just signed up to be a member of AORN, it costs $100, but i'm sure it will be worth it and I will check out the OR pocket book.

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Specializes in jack of all trades, master of none.

Sooo, how was the first day??

Actual OR stuff or the horribly painful week of torture that goes with "hospital orientation?"

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Brewerpaul listed, "Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery." ISBN number 0323016227

It is a great book. Your library may (should) already have one. If not, use the ISBN # to find one on any site that sells books new and used.

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