The big test!!!

moliuchick, RN · Feb 5, 2006

hello everyone!
okay, so I went on my interview for the OR and I feel it went well. The next step is a shadow day. The manager likes to have candidates shadow for a day so the staff can "get a feel" if I would be good in the OR. I was just wondering if there is something particular I should do to show HOW MUCH I WANT TO WORK THERE!!!! I really want to make a good impression. I would appreciate any/and all suggestions. Thank you in advance!

Congratuations for getting your interview in the OR. I am pretty new in the OR but I think I can give you some hints.

First of all, I think you have to show the staff in the OR that you are a team member. When you are shadowing a nurse, you can ask if she needs help in anything and let her know that you are willing to help. I know that at this point you probably don't want to touch anything and break their sterile field but it won't hurt to hold the door for her or help her to push the stretcher.

Then you can also ask her some questions to show your interest in the OR. Questions can be, "how often do they scrub" "how often do they have to be on call and how it is being done", "do they hire RN as the first assist or do they use scrub tech as the first assist"

You can also tell her how much you are impressed by the organization skill that some nurses have in the OR. And one last thing is try not to bring out the point that working in the OR is much easier than working on the med/surg floor because of the pts: nurses ratio:nono: . To work in the OR, RN needs to learn total different skills from the Med/surg floor. Staff in the OR have to deal with different levels of difficulties in their job as well.

I personally think that the OR is a "paradise" compared to the med/surg floor. But I guess some people might not agree with me... :specs:

Hope this will help.

ORSmurf · Feb 5, 2006

I like the advice already posted. I agree that offering to help in any way while you're there would be great. I think it also might be nice to bring in some treats - muffins or cookies or something. It's a nice gesture.

Congratulations and have fun!!

RollingThunder · Feb 6, 2006

I started my first day in the OR today and I am a new nurse. They asked me in the interview why I wanted to work there and I mentioned something like I was looking foir a dynamic team atmosphere. The team atmosphere comment clinched the job for me in the interview. Good luck.

Lasoniamacaroni · Feb 8, 2006

thank you soooo much for the advice. Good idea on the treats. I will definitely be making a stop at the donut store on my way in!!!!