OR orientation-

[new to the OR]

Support and Advice requested.

I am an experienced (20yrs) "surgical unit" nurse that just accepted a new position in the OR. I am very excited about learning the role of an OR nurse. I have been in orientation approx. 1 month and I realize how much I did'nt know about the OR and feel completly overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, my orientation has consisted of 24 days and 6 different people precepting me. With that being said all 6 of my preceptors have very different ways of doing things and now I feel insecure about everything I am doing. I went home in tears on Thurs. (I felt so stressed--which way do I do things for which person!).

Also, there are 2 people (one scrub tech and one RN) that I get the feeling that they do not want me to succeed in the OR. I was counting with the scrub tech and she was counting SO FAST (like an auctioneer)--I asked her if she could slow down so I could keep up with her and she replied--DON"T LOOK AT THE PAPER LOOK AT THE INSTRUMENTS! ------(I was trying to look at the instruments and then check them off as we went along). I was shocked and just went along with her, I did not know how many instruments are supposed to be in in the set though--I really did need to look at the paper to verify the count. (I am going to sterile processing next week.)

I really want to succeed at this job---how can I get my confidence back?

Thanks, new to the OR

[carluvscats]

I can't offer much in the way of advice; just wanted to let you know that I understand a little of what you're going through (I'm about 5 months in). The amount of information and learning is overwhelming at times. It sucks that some people have to be mean to the newbies........ it is like that where I work, too.

One thing that has helped me is that I have resolved to just do my best, be true to myself, hold my head high and quit feeling like I have to apologize for everything ~ for not being fast enough, learning quickly enough, not being able to read everyone's minds, etc etc. I stopped doing that..... it did no good anyway and just added to my insecurities.

I wish you the best. And a hug!

[new to the OR]

Thank you--That is just what I am going to do!!

I am going to work this morning w/ a positive attitude and eager to learn. (I am in sterile processing all this week).

Next week (back in the OR )-I am going to hold my head up high, be positive, and know that in time all this information will "click". --And I am not going to allow certain people to bring me down!!

Thank you for your feedback--I appreciate you kind words.

[carluvscats]

You're very welcome. I think we'll both be great. :)

[Argo]

Don't let them beat you down. That's life in the OR. Also, don't let them get a reaction out of you that they can see, it makes them worse. That holds true for staff and surgeons. I'd they do something that bothers you then write them up If they don't correct it when you tell them to. If it pertains to your patients safety then tell the surgeon you don't have a count because the scrub will not cooperate. The surgeon 99.9% o the time will not proceed and will wait unless it is an emergency, then they will shoot xray at the end......

Just stay cool, calm and try to enjoy your new job. It can am will be overwhelming at times but you will get over it. :)

[new to the OR]

Thanks!

I had a great day in SPD-I put together emergency sets (I knew all the instruments) and bone set (needed some help).

I have changed my outlook--- I know I can do this, I have been a good nurse for 21 yrs, I won't let a couple "mean" people bring me down!!!

Well, I am off for another good day in SPD.

Thanks for the support!!!!