OR nurse training

[kdmcook]

I am currently on an orientation committee for my OR, and was wondering if anyone would be willing to share with me their experiences with their OR training, what worked, what didn't, and what their hospital utilizes in their training, ex. AORN training modules, On the job training, preceptors, mentors, classroom training, etc.

I personally just finished my training and struggled through out my 6 months of classroom and on the job training. We had difficulties with preceptors, ( I had a different one practically every day, some that didn't want to teach, some that left me hanging by myself, etc.) So, we on the committee are trying to find better ways to conduct training and would really appreciate any feed back from other facilities/OR educators.

Thanks,

[mcmike55]

Throw 'em in the deep end!!! Sink or Swim I say, that's what they did to me!!!

No, wait, don't panic!! I was just kidding!!!

One problem I see is different preceptors. Several years ago, we went one on one. Occasionally you may be with someone else, due to illness, vacation, etc, but you and your primary preceptor should be on the same page. Issues like student strengths, weaknesses, interests, previous experience, etc should all be taken into consideration.

Training/orientation is largely dependent upon the expertise of the student.

An "new" experienced OR nurse should orient faster than a new grad or a floor nurse for example.

Basic sterile technique, surgical procedures, location of equipment, paperwork, etc all needs addressed and learned.

We've also sent our new people to spend time in PACU and Sterile Processing, as well as Pre-Admission (OPS). This way the new nurse gets a feel for the entire process, not just their job, but how it all fits together.

If the nurse is new to our facility, they also spend some time outside of the OR, getting a general hospital orientation, including things like emergency codes, fire fighting, etc.

Hope that helps.

Mike

[brewerpaul]

I came to the OR as a new grad, but after 30 years as a podiatrist so my case is a bit different and I think I picked things up faster since I already knew about surgical asepsis, many instruments, sutures, etc.

We use mainly preceptors in our OR, and I had different ones from day to day. I actually loved this approach since each one has a slightly different way of doing things and I learned various things from each.

It felt overwhelming at first, but now I can't imagine working anywhere else in the hospital.

[Crazyone]

I am currently in an OR training program at a large hospital & I am a new grad (6/07). I am in month 4 right now. We are doing the perioperative 101 course from AORN. We have an instructor who in 11 days (8 hours of lectures) ran us through 3 large books. We had 4 sporifice weeks of scrubbing with precepts (different one every day)who did not want us there. Now we spend 4 days as a 2nd circulator with a preceptor (a different one every day & most of which do not want us there) & the 5th day in 8 hrs of specialty lectures & reps. We did spend a day in central processing which is helpful. We had to sign a contract to work 2 yrs after our 6 months of training. If we do not finish, we owe the hospital $5K. I have already written the check out as I have save the money. There are 5 of us, 3 are already talking of leaving. I wish we could have a day of SDS & PACU. I think it is very helpful to see the whole picture. I actually have but feel a refresher would be nice. I am told I am doing very well but now dread going there every day. In Feb we take the periop test & then go into regular orientation of 2 wks with every specialty. I have never worked anywhere that is so hard to get any time off of either. We have tried to talk to our supervisors about our issues but no one is listening & we have found out that they have a hard time retaining the students. I am sorry if It sound like I am complaining but maybe my note would be helpful to you to help retain your students.

[NiteRocker]

You posted 8 months ago...are you still there? Did it get any better? Hope you made a difference in the lives of those going to that facility. I'd hate toknow I was in a place where everyone hated being there.