Top tips for an OR RN

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Hey wise nurses!

I was just offered my first OR RN position. I have worked as a labor and delivery RN and now will be working in the OR exclusively for ob/gyn cases. As always, I want to provide great care and would love to hear your top tips, book and resource recommendations, and anything else you wish you would have known before your first day in the OR. As an L & D RN I was the circulating RN in cesarean sections and I also worked in the PACU, but this new role will be much more broad. All OR all the time! I can't wait to hear your recommendations!

Be well!

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hi there,

I'm glad to share some tips for you.Since you have already circulated for C- section deliveries- then i think it will not be too hard for you to circulate other Ob-Gyne cases.You just have to spend more time to be familiar of the preferences of various surgeons.Learn on the different machines used and know where to get stuff as requested by your MD , scubber and crna.Take one day at a time...Enjoy in what you do and you'll be confident in circulating in due time...Good Luck...greys18.

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Thank you! I'm really looking forward to adding to my RN skills, this job can be so cool in that there are always new things to learn!

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I am a visual learner so I bought some multi colored index cards and a plastic box. You could use the different colors for each surgeon or service. I would write all my info and notes, surgeon quirks on them, draw diagrams on the back of the room setup etc. So when it came time to do the surgery I was more prepared. I still keep them in my locker if I have to do a case or if I haven't done it in awhile. I also have cards with equipment or computer instructions such as the hysteroscopy machine. Ours is confusing...

Enjoy!

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Thanks so much! I'm a visual learner too so this really helps!

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

Assertiveness.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma, research, OR.

#1 carry scissors & hemostats.

#2 know the anatomy, if you know why your doing the case its easier to imagine what you need.

#3 Understand the different future types so when they ask for something you can be q step ahead.

#4 Relax and enjoy everyday.

#5 Always remember doctors aren't always yelling at you, don't take it personally (unless you screwed up, just own up to it).

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