memolei

We document "in and out" next to the implant, sizer, screw, etc that does not remain in the patient if it was newly placed in the patient and does not remain in the patient. We do this not only for tracking and charging purposes but also for reordering purposes. Implants that are removed, that was in the patient prior to procedure starting, I put under specimen as "gross". Not sure if this helps ?‍♀️

I'm a new RN grad doing residency in the OR. I've been there about the same length as you and I'm barely getting my strides in with simpler, general cases. Our program lasts 6 months (~24hr/week), but I've been told when I'm hired full time, I am expected to function on my own within 6 months with little assistance. I'm also taking peri-op 101 in conjunction with residency which has been really helpful in my learning of the what, why, and how's within the OR. I have an assigned preceptor I'm with when I'm on the floor that I use as guidance throughout my day. I usually get into a groove by the 2nd procedure at the start of each week. I've been trained to do things consistently in order/sequence to not forget those "small" things. I, too, am having trouble with managing my time (why am I the only person with a oily face at the end of shift?? LOL), but I know what I need done while keeping my patient safe. In time we will find more efficient ways of doing things, but my priority right now is doing it right, even if that means I do do it 2-3 steps slower than the more experienced nurses. To help with end of case: I pile everything I need on my chart when they're close to finishing (specimens, belongings, tags, charges, etc..) so that I can grab and go. I'm still not proficient with all the instruments being used. I haven't scrubbed into any cases, and have been told that once I do, the instruments and circulating will be a lot easier/less stress knowing what to anticipate what comes next. I'm expecting they will begin to have me scrub in at the end of my residency / upon full time hire. In the mean time, if you're able to, go down to your sterile department to have hands on time with common instruments? Knowing expectations from your nurse manager is important though. What exactly are they expecting from you at this point, and where do they see you 2, 3, 4 months from now? If you can, maybe arrange to follow a single nurse for a week or two at a time. I myself am thinking of asking to start following nurses that specialize to really immerse and get more comfortable with those cases (ortho, vascular, neuro, etc). Do they have goals for you? If not, maybe you can talk to them to maybe set goals on tasks you would like to learn/work on. I set goals for myself each day/week.. focusing on interviewing, focusing on room prep, focusing on hooking up the patient to monitors, machines, assist anesthesiologist, different tables/positions, etc etc. Within my last 3 shifts, I've focused on charting and feel comfortable enough to do it on my own now. On my radar next is to follow a Surg Tech so that I can be more familiar with where common supplies are.

We graduated late May. Our dean also told us to not rush into applying to the BRN because it wouldn't matter due to paperwork and transcripts that need to be sent in and processed. Although I'm sure there is some truth to that, I also found that It seems like the earlier you apply, the earlier you get a test date. A lot of my classmates applied in May and are barely receiving ATT now (early May). Those who applied in April received their ATT and are pending taking their test, and some have been licensed. They are also getting the work around of 2-4 week wait and backed up nonsense.

I would verify for license tomorrow morning (located on the left side of BreEZe when you sign on) before calling BRN.

Wow that was a long turn around. Tested in Bay Area Date: 7/13/2015 @ 1330, finished at 1430 License Posted on BreeZe: 7/15/2015 @ 0800 Lame - do you have a license number posted?

I also have another degree and decided I wanted to be a nurse (neither of the schools you're going to). I chose to go the ADN route due to funding. I knew I wasn't going to be working and simply couldn't afford to go for the entry level BSN or MSN route. The entry level MSN bridge route would have been my first choice if money was of no object. I do plan on getting my masters at some point, but hopefully by then I am able to work part time to pay for my schooling without graduating with additional debt (I'm still paying loans for the first bachelors!).