Please tell me how to learn to circulate!!!!

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

Ok, so I am on orientation in the OR. But, I need advice. How should I tackle this? I mean, every service is so different, every surgeon likes things differently, and plus, I am not in a particular service conssitently, we kind of hop around (my orientation group).... anyway.....I guess the main problem is, knowing what I need to get for a case. We have "doctors preference cards", but more times than not, they are innacurate... and so far , people whom I have worked with know the procedure, doc, etc, so they throw this and that back in the case cart, saying we dont need that, and I ask , "well, how am I supposed to know that, if I am just starting , and all I have to go by are these preference cards???!!!" they all say the same thing, "you just remember after doing it in time". I guess the problem is that......these cards need to be updated, regularly, and nobody seems to think they own this responsibility......but all this aside, does anybody have any tips on "how" to learn to be a circulator????? anything?????

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Experience and practice. Only time will make it get easier. There is a considerable amount of information for you to absorb in the beginning. Just knowing the different sutures and what they are used for. Let alon all of the different instruments, even as a circulator you need to know what they look like and what they are used for, incase they tell you to go and find one.

With experience, you will develop your own style and be able to know in advance what the surgeon or scrub person is going to need next, and the cards will really not be much of a use for you as they are now.

Good luck with your training.

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

"quote"With experience, you will develop your own style and be able to know in advance what the surgeon or scrub person is going to need next, and the cards will really not be much of a use for you as they are now.end "quote

Promise????? lol I mean , sometimes (most of the time) I feel very inept.......I am learning, and everybody is pleased, so far, (management) but..... it just seems like I am not learning fast enough!!!! Its a big place, about 30 or's.

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Specializes in ICU, Surgery.

Our preference cards are on computer and printed out for case carts to be pulled. We update on the card durring the case , sign it, and turn it in with our records. We have a secretary assigned to update by our notes and date the update. We sign it so she knows who to page to decipher our scribbles abd abbreviations! lol The next time the card is printed to pull the case it should be accurate. Of course many times there just isn't time to make any changes as you scramble to get everything. This system isn't pefect but seems to be working okay. Mainly it requires US to want it to work. We have 24 operating rooms and many services. When we work weekends, it sure is nice if each specialty has updated cards! Maybe after your orientation you could make suggestions to the nurse educator about fixing this? Good Luck :)

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.
Our preference cards are on computer and printed out for case carts to be pulled. We update on the card durring the case , sign it, and turn it in with our records. We have a secretary assigned to update by our notes and date the update. We sign it so she knows who to page to decipher our scribbles abd abbreviations! lol The next time the card is printed to pull the case it should be accurate. Of course many times there just isn't time to make any changes as you scramble to get everything. This system isn't pefect but seems to be working okay. Mainly it requires US to want it to work. We have 24 operating rooms and many services. When we work weekends, it sure is nice if each specialty has updated cards! Maybe after your orientation you could make suggestions to the nurse educator about fixing this? Good Luck :)

Sounds like a good system, it seems since these preference cards were made initially, nothing was changed since.... no accountability, nobody thinks its their job.... I think mgmt is working on this, however.... and btw... we have no educator, one retired 2 yrs ago, and they never found a replacement!!!!

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Specializes in OR.

Do you have a little notebook or something that you could make notes in? I carry one around and I had one as a tech when I was starting out. Sure, I got some funny looks but it helped. I had it divided by specialties...I called it my "nerd book":lol2:

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Specializes in Theatre.

I go along with having a pocket book too. Don't worry about the comments or funny looks - they may be stuck in quagmire of their own making and apathetic as to how to get out. People who are new to OR come in with fresh eyes and ideas. I fully understand about keeping preference (fad) books up to date - I took on this challenge and have been thanked by so many staff as well as Dr's!!! especially the Registrars (Attendings if you're in the US) Our Registrars often change hospitals 6 or 12 monthly so it's a good way to ensure everyone is at the same place going the same way.

Sometimes I think experienced OR Nurses have forgotten what it was like to be a beginner. Keep going as it will get easier. :welcome:

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