sunflowergrl70

I would have spoken up and told the educator that it probably wouldn't be a great case for the student to observe. I am an educator and often put students in certain areas to observe. The staff will let me know if it's a good idea or not for the student to be there. 9 times out of 10 they are ok with having a student.

I thought the same thing. One of our first assists brought me the article. Certain retractors come in pieces. I've never seen one because I don't usually work GYN.

I've never seen anything being thrown AT someone. I've seen them toss something on the floor because it's broken. I've witnessed and been the target of verbal tirades, but I just smile to myself because when my shift is over I can go home. It's usually the heat of the moment. I've been apologized to after cases because alot of times is has nothing to do with you. Does that make it right? No, not really. We've had some really mean, verbally abusive surgeons. Staff are encouraged to keep reporting it to managers in writing. And it does work!

I read an article about lady partsl retractors being left in. Not good! We had an issue with packing being accidently left in. It wasn't discovered until the patient's post op appointment.

I am an OR nurse/clinical educator. I have interviewed a lot of students. We tend to hire the ones that have either done their partnerships with us or have a very big interest in the OR. Go in to your interview knowing what OR nursing is all about. I would even suggest requesting that you be able to "shadow" for a day. As an educator I have made that suggestion to nursing students that apply. That way you know what it's all about. The training period is long and we invest a lot in you, so we like to make sure that this is really and truly what you want. Some students have come to me wanting to work in the OR with the hopes of becoming a CRNA or a PACU nurse. I have to steer them on to another track because being a circulator is not good training to be a CRNA or a PACU nurse. Those nurses need some critical care experience. Do some research about the OR and what kinds of cases they do, ask about orientation, ask about what their expectations are.

Cerner and Surginet. The cool thing about it is that you can run reports in order to track what kinds of cases staff does so you can coordinate training for them.

I started my nursing career in 2003. I worked on a very busy med/surg floor. A year later I took a job in a very busy OR. That has been my career choice for the last 7 years. It's a very different nursing specialty, but it's a great place to work. The orientation is 6 months and then it takes time after that to feel comfortable. It takes a lot of time, effort and big shoulders to learn the ropes. I tell new nurses that if you don't feel comfortable doing something in the OR, that is what you need to be doing. The big focus on nursing in the OR is knowing sterile technique, being watchful that sterility hasn't been broken and troubleshooting equipment. Safety is very important in the OR. You are the patient advocate while that patient is under anesthesia. It is fast paced and depending on the kinds of cases you are doing, you may be moving fast all day. The OR I work in has long cases. Once you get the patient prepped, draped and all the equipment hooked up, you have time to document. The longer cases can be boring once you get really efficient. I've really learned to have good hearing. It takes practice being able to listen to what's going on at the field while doing three other things! It's stressful at first, but is fun once you find your groove.

I've been a nurse in the OR for almost 7 years in a busy trauma hospital. Before that I worked on a accute care med/surg floor. I managed to get a job in the PACU of a smaller hospital. I'm psyched and scared all at once. I have been ACLS certified for years. Any suggestions for a newbie?

You gave it a probationary period and it didn't work out. They would do the same to you if you didn't work out for them.

I just went through that today!! Have your letter ready and just do it!! You will feel better. Congrats on the new position.