OR resources for newbies

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Just wanted to take a quick poll on the resources available for those new to the OR. After working there for 2 years I'm trying to buff up on the services I haven't been to yet. My mandatory book when I was on orientation is Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery and it's a big snoozer. I remember when I first started I wanted a book that was concise, somewhat entertaining and covered all those OR basics that they didn't teach in nursing school. Is there anything like that out there? Would you all appreciate if there was? I've been toying with the idea of writing/initating a Periop Nursing for Dummies type book. I know there are plenty of hard core AORN references, but I'm thinking more of a quick read to get your feet wet. Any feedback? Thanks!

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Specializes in Home Health, Primary Care.

That would be pretty cool. I'm starting in the OR in March. Can't wait to see what people come up with.

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Sooo... lots of people have looked at this thread but there's no other comments? What resources do you use? Are they adequate?

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A new reference book with humor & entertainment included?!? Sounds like a best seller, but I'm not sure how concise you can get with so many different types of surgeries out there, & new ones being invented each year. I remember when they first started taking gallbladders out via scope (I'm dating myself here), & now it's routine. After more than 25 years in the periop arena, I've seen a lot of changes, & a lot of new equipment being introduced. :eek:

I think AORN is still the best source for information regarding recommended OR practices, & I highly endorse membership. Yet, Alexander's has always been the book of choice for specific procedural descriptions. It's been around for years with many new updates. Face it, any medical reference book can be a "sleeper". Even so, there's always a little bit of difference in the way procedures are performed by different surgeons at different facilities. I've worked at 6 different hospitals, & practices have always been a little bit different at each place, no matter the service. OR nursing is not a concise field, there are always DIFFERENCES depending on where you go to work. :uhoh3:

If you understand the basic safety and comfort measures for the intraop patient, then learning other services & specialty areas is a matter of learning surgeon preferences & how to operate specialty equipment. I've always jumped at the chance to learn new services by observing & asking questions of those who were the experts. Some surgeons love to teach. Volunteer to "help" the nurse who works another service. I've found that this is the best way to learn something new in the OR.

If you do decide to write "Periop Nursing for Dummies" & get it published, I'll be one of the first to buy it.

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Try "Berry and Kohn's: Operating Room Technique"

It is not as good as Alexander's but it is not as dry.

"Pocket Guide to the Operating Room" by Maxine Goldman is a good one if you just want to get a quick handle on many different surgical procedures.

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