tinkerbell06

It is so nice to know I'm not the only one out there in the OR feeling that way and other people are going through the same experiences. I feel the say way about trying to get a routine down when starting cases. Just when I think I have the hang of it something else happens. Hopefully things will get better. I really think it takes a good year of orientation and it would be better to be in one service for at least a month before moving on to another. Good Luck with everything. Just know that you are not alone and I am struggling right along with you.

My orientation is supposed to be only set up for 4 months. But I really think a year sounds like a better orientation time. There is way too much information and equipment to remember and figure out. The hospital I am at is a Level 1 Trauma Center with 18 operating rooms. A new RN definitely needs more time.

Thank you so much for the post. I am new to the OR also and I wish I was more like some of the others that learn things quickly in the OR. Unfortunately being a new RN grad and new to the OR is causing me to be a little bit slower than most. I found out in my experience that some of the scrub techs have been more helpful than the circulators. If the RNs would think back on how it was when they first started, maybe they would take the time to teach. I think orientation would be better if you could stay with a good preceptor for several weeks and then rotate through different services. There is so much to learn, don't get too down on yourselves. Everyone keeps telling me it takes one full year to feel more comfortable and two years to maybe get the hang of it. Good luck to all the new OR circulators, they say it gets better.

Thanks so much for the information. I think things will get better, it just takes time. Good luck with you.

Hello, I am new to the forum and after reading some of the other postings, I feel like I am a lot like some of the others. I have always been shy and don't really speak up that well. I am a middle-aged new grad. They say you are never too old to change careers. I decided to go straight into the OR after graduating. I'm not quite sure that was such a great idea. I like being in the OR, but I never knew there was so much equipment and things to learn. I have been in orientation for a few months, but don't know if I am really getting all of it. Does anyone have any suggestions on what books might help or any pointers? I'm not sure if I'm ready to be on my own, but they think so. The whole thing seems so disorganized where I am. I wish I had a better orientation. Thanks for everyone's chats and opinions.