I know exactly what your talking about. I started in the OR in Feb. after 9.5 years on med/surg. It's hard going from being a seasoned nurse on the floor, to feeling "dumb" on a daily basis. OR nursing is totally different that med/surg. I like it, it's just, I would like, one day not to feel "retarded".
I transfered to the OR after 9.5 years on a med/surg oncology department. While I like my new job, I did not realize how different it would be. I feel so dumb, there is not alot of experience I can carry over to my new job. I wonder how long it will take for me to feel comfortable in the OR. I started 2 months ago. I still feel like I have a long way to go before I can be on my own.