Kliska

I do agree with the previous posts, its sounds like some longer orientation is needed and thats ok! I was lucky enough to start my career in the OR in an environment that allowed me about a 6 month orientation, which I definitely needed. In the mean time, some small pointers that helped me when I first started and was feeling oh so overwhelmed: The computer charting can wait. Focus on the case and if you fall behind in your charting you can always catch up during turnover. Know that most of the equipment is designed so that you can really only hook it up correctly one way. In other words, it will only fit in the hole if you're plugging it in correct, so just keep trying until it goes in. Lean on your scrub! At the beginning of the case, aside from checking your dpc, keep asking your scrub what's missing. "What else could the surgeon possibly need? Can you think of anything else we might use? If this goes bad, whats the first thing you're going to need?" If you have any free time, ask your preceptor to take you on a tour of the supply room to point out any highlights they can think of and take notes if you need to. Know that you WILL get it, but it takes time. If you're in a position that doesn't feel like its safe to you, you must speak up. These patients are depending on you during their most vulnerable time and if that means you have to demand a few more weeks of orientation, it's worth it. Keep your chin up! It gets better!

As a circulator in the OR, I can say that generally the fact that the patient is on their period doesn't affect much about the procedure. For any procedure, the nurse will ask that you remove anything that can be removed before going back to the procedural area. This includes dental implants, hearing aids, glasses, tampons, etc. It might be worth mentioning to the nursing staff that you're on your period so that they can put down some padding before hand. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info! I do know that some hospitals don't have a cardiothoracic department, but from what I've seen it looks like most do have at least a cardiac or cardiovascular surgery department. I'm hoping that will broaden my options.

I have been a nurse for 3 years, my last two spent as a circulator for cardiothoracic surgery in a very busy OR. I've been doing some research on traveling, but I feel that most of the articles I've read don't really apply to operating room nurses. First off, do most hospitals respect your specialty? For example, I'm really only comfortable with cardio thoracic, will they expect me to do neuro etc.? Second, are travelers used for call or do most hospitals prefer their own for call? Lastly, I keep hearing that finding a good recruiter is incredibly important, but as I don't have any friends who travel, how do I find a good recruiter? Any extra pieces of knowledge/advice are greatly appreciated! Thanks!