sassy_pants

I'm in the same boat. First I volunteered at a surgicenter for like a month then I got a job in the OR as a Circulator. We don't have a periop training program so I'm kinda on my own also. My "trainer" literally only trained me for 3 days and lost interest after that. At first, everybody was less than thrilled that there was a new grad in the way but once they saw that I showed initiative and was there to kick butt they accepted me. The first couple months are tough but don't let them get to you. They're probably just feeling you out. Here's some things that helped me: Carry around a little notebook to write things down. Make a binder with the preference cards and your notes (I separated mine by Dr) Ask questions if you're not sure about something Don't be afraid to jump in and help out Don't forget you are part of the team and nobody is gonna let you sink Take a perioperative course. Theyre hard to find but they are out there Buy the Alexander and Perioperative Standards book- study a lot Ask some of the doctors if you can scrub so you can learn how to do the cases Pull the cases so you learn what things you need for the cases and where things are located It just takes a bit of time but you'll get there. I've only been at my job for a little over 3 months and things are very different from when I first started. I have my good days and bad days but it's a process and I love every minute of it. Hope this helps! Good luck! If you have any questions or anything just let me know.

Thank you for the quick replies! Canedukesgirl, they did not say I needed to take the class. I just want to learn all I can. :) Sorry, I don't have the PM option. I have some knowledge in the OR. I was volunteering full time at an ASC to learn the role of the circulator for over a month then I was hired at a hospital in mid March. I am so grateful to have the job but feel like I'm not being taught the proper ways to do things so I bust out my Alexander's book every chance I get. I want to find a class so I can learn to scrub also. I plan on joining the AORN for sure. TakeTwoAspirin, my hospital doesn't offer the course so I'm on my own. I wish they did though.

Hello, I was recently hired in the OR and I would like to take a perioperative course for RNs. I have been searching for classes throughout Southern CA but have only found 2 so far. One being El Camino College in Torrance and the other is COC in Valencia. I even contacted AORN and they did not have a directory of colleges/facilities that offered these kind of courses, only hospitals. I called the hospitals and they said I needed to be an employee in order to take the course. Does anyone know of any other periop courses in or around LA? I live in the Valley and am more than willing to drive a bit. I had know idea these classes were so few and far between. Thanks for your help!

Check out Ricki Lake's documentary called "The business of being born." Very informative.

I recommend recording the lectures, with your professor's permission of course. You'd be surprised how much information you miss while note taking. It's nice to have that back up and to listen to it over and over so it really sticks.

Don't worry about it at all! I almost passed out the other day during a C-section and I have one more semester of school left :) I think it was a combination of the burning smell and the visual of the tugging that did me in. I watched another one and I did fine. I also felt faint during my first IV and I had to go outside. Now I do them all the time without even thinking about it. I think the more you're exposed to something the less it bothers you. If you feel like you're gonna pass out again though, put your back against the wall so you can slide down rather than just falling and conking your head. Good luck!