Well, I've read some of the threads here, and I can relate to many of them!
I have been an RN in the OR since April. It's a 14-room OR, and it's very busy. The thing is, I like to work of the OR, but I feel like a complete moron most of the day! LOL! I mean, I have worked in several different jobs -- from television production, to teaching high school, to a statewide public relations office... and I have NEVER had a job make me feel like such an idiot as the OR does! I do like the "work" of the OR, and I love patients, but I am completely overwhelmed with the learning curve... "where" things are... the different (and sometimes scary) personalities of the docs (AND some of the other coworkers, for that matter!!).
Anyway, I am about to be off orientation (which I think is crazy ... we only get a 12-week orientation!!)... and I cannot believe I am about to be thrown in a room ... ALONE... !!! I do feel that I have improved week-to-week, but I feel I am still pretty weak in the area of knowing "where" everything is, you know? Seriously, if I knew WHERE everything was and WHAT things looked like, etc., I think I'd be sailing pretty smoothly. I just wonder when this'll ever happen... or if it'll happen.
I also feel overwhelmed with being thrown into so many different types of cases... one day in "general"... the next in a total knee... the next in a CABG... and then the next in a LAVH... it's like spinning in circles to me.
And, I don't know if all OR's are like this... but there's so much gossip and mean spirits up there in the OR, I just can't believe it. I know I cannot work with most of those people for more than a year or two. It's like "General Hospital"... tons of drama and people calling other people horrible names behind their back. And I overhear people saying that so-and-so is "an idiot"... so I'm sure I am called that and probably worse behind my back. I can't stand drama!
Anyway, I am thinking I want to gain some experience in this OR (as painful as it may be for a while)... and then move on to a smaller place, maybe an outpatient place with more family-friendly hours... So I am hanging on and praying all the time.
Does anyone have any advice? I am starting to have knots in my stomach concerning my job, and I don't want to live that way. I like the OR and the patients, but I am generally scared each day and also aggravated with the gossip and drama. And on top of that is the fear of failure there. A girl I graduated with was recently fired because they said she just couldn't "get it" and the OR just "wasn't for her." That is so scary to me!
Im from the Philippines, and i am amazed that this drama exists in the USA. ha! talk about personality. Anyway im an OR newbie too and you are really right in stating that in the OR the seniors eat their young. In our hospital, I sometimes wonder if im an OR nurse, my seniors really love to order me around (run errands for them, ask me to drive them around, or worst asks me to bring food for them!) But as the last poster saId ''ïts a good thing that my self esteem doesnt depend on their opinion'' Ive been in this OR for half a year and im sweating it out. At times you feel bad and at times you feel like an idiot. But hey you are not alone, just though it out.
Specializes in Operating Room, Ortho, Neuro, Trauma.
I am a new OR nurse on orientation (4 weeks) and we get 22 week Residency plus a 9-12 month OR orientation. If I knew I was going to be on my own in 8 weeks, I would stress out too! I have not even worked with the same surgeon twice in order to see their "three faces". But I do have to say that I love everything so far! I am glad for the opportunity to work in the OR, it is my dream job.
If you are not ready, please, please tell your director. Does your preceptor think you are ready to run your own room? You worked so hard to get your license, protect it by not letting an institution carelessly set you up for failure. When I first read your post I laughed because it sounded like you were describing bits and pieces of my work.....I don't know where things are and think they need to put a GPS tracking device on me so I don't get lost wandering around.
Yes I agree some RN's in the OR "eat their young". My advice find someone who will be your mentor Hold your head high,always as if you are unsure of anything no matter how trivial. Always treat your co-workers the way that you would want to be treated. I always think that length of time and experience does not guarantee RESPECT. Everyday at work I do the best I possible can and I go home knowing that someone benefitted by knowledge and the care I gave them Do not give up and continue to do your best :loveya:
Specializes in OR, ER, Med-Surg, ICU, CCU, Home Health.
12 weeks is nowhere enough orientation. I certainly hope they are not expecting you to take call. It takes a long time to feel comfortable in the OR-a minimum of a year, closer to 2. Are you going to have a resource person that you can go to with questions? You should really talk to your supervisor and tell her you don't think you are ready. Are they putting you in a specialty? This topic is a pet peeve of mine. You need to get a feel of the OR with general surgery before expanding to a specialty. You should be given some scrub experience in addition to circulating. It makes you a better circulator. I wish you the best of luck. Please come here for support and advice if you're not getting it at work. The OR is a great place to work. Unfortunately, some OR nurses eat their young. Never understood that mentality, but have seen it everywhere I've been.
Hang in there! We've all been new, but sometimes those memories are squashed. :loveya:
Lorodz
278 Posts
Im from the Philippines, and i am amazed that this drama exists in the USA. ha! talk about personality. Anyway im an OR newbie too and you are really right in stating that in the OR the seniors eat their young. In our hospital, I sometimes wonder if im an OR nurse, my seniors really love to order me around (run errands for them, ask me to drive them around, or worst asks me to bring food for them!) But as the last poster saId ''ïts a good thing that my self esteem doesnt depend on their opinion'' Ive been in this OR for half a year and im sweating it out. At times you feel bad and at times you feel like an idiot. But hey you are not alone, just though it out.
good bless to you