Fun2

How did you do the AORN review course? Did you only read through the modules, and then take the one practice test at the end? How long have you been in the OR? I have done the AORN course, and have also ordered the practice test CD. I have Alexander's, Kohns, and the AORN standards as well to skim through certain topics.

I don't think a sign is going to stop someone from being nasty....just sayin'. I also don't think the signs are professional.

UT Southwestern is also a partnership facility.

I am graduating from this program next week! I definitely recommend it! It took 13 months for me to complete it....not sure if it varies depending on when you start. I started Feb, 2009. There are no classes during Christmas break. It's not too time-demanding, and for the most part, it is clear what is expected of you. There aren't any tests that have been designed to fail you out. Good luck to you all!

So very sad....such a knowledgeable, helpful person. My deepest sympathy to her family.

AORN is big, and with AORN and ANA joining forces, I'm sure it will be a long time, if ever, that RNs are taken completely out. I guess you should always ask if there is a nurse in the OR if you have surgery. In Texas, there definitely is!

I got my AORN Standards book in the mail yesterday! I have about 3 weeks left to finish my BSN program, then I'll start reading the Standards... I plan to buy the questions CD later as well. Unfortunately, my '2-year' mark (7/21) will put me having to wait until at least October to take the CNOR exam.

I'm getting my BSN for me...not for more pay. I'll register to take the CNOR exam after July for myself as well... Extra pay would be nice, but I am seeking the knowledge, etc for my own self-worth. :)

Was this your first time to scrub in, or have you been taught proper technique?

What is the drive time for rush hour from Katy to MDA?

This is my concern as well. I am almost finish with my RN-BSN bridge, and would like to continue on later down the road. (I think I better take a break!!) :)

He has earned the right to have LPN on his badge, but should only be allowed to do scrub duties. We have an LVN who is a scrub. I give her the respect she deserves, she is a scrub nurse. However, by law, she can't circulate, nor do assessments.

I think the UnderArmor brand is suppose to be good.... Make sure you get the winter version, and not the 'stay dry' version. :) Sporting goods stores that sell clothing should have this. Also, you could stock up on the packages of hand and feet warmers. If you hands and/or feet stay warm, it should help your body stay warm. If I tried to wear sweats over my scrubs, I'd have a bad case of static cling!!!! (If you do this, you better pack a dryer sheet too!) :)

If you haven't already, go ahead and apply to any and all OR Internships you can! Many hire right out of school, and with you having other experience, I'm sure you'll find someone willing to train you. Best of luck...the OR is great!

I'm not sure about an official mentor program for SNs, but if you have questions, I would be happy to help, as I'm sure many of us on here would be. I think going to the monthly meetings would be a good idea. You can get to know other OR nurses in your area, which could help you with job searches later on, etc. This also could help you gain knowledge that would help when you really have to learn it...after employment. It won't be such 'new information' if you've seen/heard about it before, through an AORN meeting.

That is very scary! I hope it gets solved correctly.

During nursing school, you may find that the instructors read powerpoints that don't really help much. You have to study the material, find resources, etc. It's hard, but remember that it is possible...every step of the way. Best of luck to you...stay motivated!!

I am an RN in Texas. I work in the OR, and have been out of school since May '08. I'd be happy to help, unless you are looking for a specific area/type/specialty.

I think there is no right answer... Everyone is different, every case is different, every position is different, and every facility is different.

Urology cases where the female is in lithotomy position get a vag prep.

I think there are other threads on this topic that may help you out...just scroll through the titles. Be honest, and give your gut feeling on any question. Prioritize before answering....is cleaning up blood more important than calling the blood bank? Just go with the knowledge that you have, and apply it to the question asked. Think and prioritize before blurting out an answer. Don't stress over the questions. If you absolutely don't know something, it's ok. I don't know, but maybe this.....could be better than nothing at all, or cleaning up the blood. (For example only...) Good luck! :)

See if you can get a copy of your facility's count sheets for some of the sets often used, such as a major set, minor set, etc... Then, you can either try to take pics of those instruments at your work, or look up pics online. The more you use them at work, the more you will learn them, though. Good luck! :)

Think about what you want for your future. Are you young enough to think about wanting to be a Nurse Anesthetist later on? That will require at least a year of ICU before going to CRNA school. I did go directly to the OR, but I have never wanted anything else besides to work in the OR...even since I was little.

I started out as a brand new RN in the OR at $23/hr. Baylor started out around $21, if I remember correctly. My point is, it shouldn't go down too much, if any, from what you are currently making because the newbies aren't too far away from the $26. Best of luck to you! :)

We should, and are suppose to make sure it is all in order, however, blocking the pay raise shouldn't be allowed, unless it is a constant problem with a particular nurse. Then obviously, that nurse is not doing the job correctly multiple times. However, the surgeons should be punished somehow as well. They know then need a consent and an H&P. There shouldn't be any problems getting one.