OR student nurse preceptorship

Published

I am in my final 7 wks of nursing school!!!! I start my preceptorship/internship tomorrow in the the OR and I am very excited. I have to give my instructor 5 Smart goals specific to the OR for the following categories: communication/documentation, decision making/problem solving, and roles/responsibilities. I understand what smart goals are but I have no idea what to give her since I have never worked in the OR prior to this. Can someone lead me the right direction and give me some ideas to get me started. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

Hi there! Not so long ago I was a student in the OR.... So I can try to help you with this:

Communication- very important in the OR, but as a student you will be most likely working with a specific preceptor and be communicating your needs one on one. As a student I was not generally communicating with surgeons or other staff, so focus on communicating with your preceptor.

Documentation- I did not document at all as a student, usually documentation is one of the last things you learn in the OR. To make up for this I researched articles that were related to OR nursing and my instructor was okay with this.

Decision making/problem solving- Decision making such as when you are assessing a patient for surgery, positioning, watching the sterile field. Problem solving such as trouble shooting equipment, correcting contamination, keeping the patient/environment safe.

Roles/responsibilities- so many roles and responsibilities! Assessing the patient, assisting with induction of anesthesia, positioning, maintaining patient safety, foley catheters, prepping, performing a "time out," assisting the team during the case, always observing the sterile field, counts, room set up, the list goes on.

It will really be up to your preceptor as far as how much they will allow you to do. Just show your interest, ask questions at the appropriate time, and you will do great! Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S Short Stay/TCU.

wow great tips...:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for the tips. It was very helpful in jumpstarting my contract. I appreciate it so much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion