OR Nurse Preparation

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 19, 2022

I have a slightly different take on preparation for a first job. I assume that this will be your first nursing job.

I would use the time you have before your new grad program starts to declutter, organize and deep clean your living space. Everyone is different, but coming home after a busy day of work to an organized, relaxed home. While you have the time, this is a great project to take on.

If you are new to the full-time year-round working world, plan how you will feed yourself proper food. Some of my coworkers use slow-cookers, others do batch cooking for the week. Plan what you will bring for lunches.

If you will be working nights, install blackout curtains and experiment with different sources of white noise to help you sleep during the day.

If you are not physically active, get in some exercise time. OR involves a lot of standing. Being physically fit will help you get through long days.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Apr 19, 2022

Excellent feedback from RNperdiem, I agree that the point of a new grad program is to get you going from the ground up, so spending your time for you is great advice. OR nursing is very specific and I would imagine that much of it really has to be on the job training. Enjoy your time leading up to the exciting start of your new career. If you really want to read, I might look on amazon for some books about nurses personal experiences, not necessarily studying, but you can get an idea of what you're heading into. Good luck!

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 19, 2022

I echo those above. Believe me, we know that new nurses and even nurses new to the OR but with experience elsewhere need a lot of education. Take the time before you start to take care of you. You won’t be behind by not cracking an OR book