Why do some new OR nurses "make it" and some don't?

[ShirleyMc]

I would like to know the difference in qualities of RNs who makes it in the OR and ones that don't.

It seems, from my reading on this forum, that a new-to-the-OR nurse is either successful in the first few months, or they leave (or are let go).

When I was a student many years ago, I spent some time observing in the OR and loved it's flow, the exposed tissues/organs, the tools, and the friendly team work.

But I also realize that just because I enjoyed spending a few days watching, doesn't mean I am cut out for the OR (and I know an experienced nurse makes the job look easy!)

I am 47, so it's now or never, I'm thinking, but at the same time I don't want to invest time/money/energy into a long preoperative course if it's not for me. I don't have the option of observing in the OR at this time because I am out of the hospital setting.

So, please do tell, what type of RN makes it, what type doesn't?

Thanks,

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Someone who is flexible- cases get cancelled/moved around/bumped by emergent cases. That can require the flexibility to move between specialties (such as when an ortho trauma bumps a bunch of scheduled general cases), the flexibility to deal with lots of change with little notice, etc.

Someone who realizes the job doesn't end when clocking out. As a new OR nurse, one will need to be willing to study on his/her own time. Learn about the procedures you can expect to be working in the following day. Learn about medications you may be giving in the OR (antibiotics, locals, even know something about the drugs anesthesia uses).

Someone with thick skin. Yes, the OR can attract some rather strong/odd personalities. Yes, surgeons can be complete a-holes. Usually, frustration is directed at the situation, not a person, but I've seen newbies take it completely personal when it wasn't intended that way.

Someone with a sense of humor. We have to hurt someone to fix them- and sometimes we can't fix what's wrong. You either have to laugh or you'll cry. Some of the jokes told in the OR are best for never repeating elsewhere, and there is a rather dark sense of humor.

Someone who understands that call is a big part of the job- there will be a set amount of time that is kind of yours but you're still tied to the hospital. One of the reasons cited for leaving the OR at my facility is the call. The amount and likelihood of being called back in varies from facility to facility.

[williams84]

I completely agree with the post above. I am a new RN in the OR. I did a stint as an OR intern while in nursing school and loved every opportunity I was given. Since I've been at my new position, I have seen the best OR nurses and the worst.

The worst one is easily frazzled, disorganized, not quick to learn from her mistakes, and takes EVERYTHING personally. She's incredibly frustrating to learn from and I never hear her saying anything positive.

If that's not you and this area really interests you, I say go for it. It's not for everyone, but no nursing specialty is. :-)

[ArtieRN]

I'm new to the OR and came in with six other people in our fellowship. Most of us were new nurses, one was in her 40s and had been in NICU for 12 years. She'd been feeling stagnant and wanted to learn a new specialty. She does really well and is super particular, though sometimes she keeps asking more more more questions. It's not a terrible thing to want to gain more knowledge! Another was a new graduate nurse in her 50s, and I don't think she's going to make it. I think personalitywise, she doesn't get on with most of the staff, and she's decent when she gets to do more repetition in a certain service rather than bouncing around. Other times, she can get really flustered if she makes one mistake or if someone cops attitude with her, nurse or surgeon. I think she'd be a better floor nurse with more patient interaction. (Me, I think I fall somewhere in between the two You have to enjoy the process, listen, pay attention, not be afraid to make mistakes, know how to work as a team as that's most of what you're doing, and learn how to go with the flow. A little OCD and being able to stand up and speak out on behalf of yourself and your patient is really important.

[RobtheORNurse]

I agree with Rose Queen, I spent 23 years in the OR and wouldn't trade it for the world but old age and broken body parts kind of made it necessary. (My body parts, not the patient's) Lol. I would add that a necessary skill is the ability to tinker with things, The OR has many things that you have to assemble or disassemble to use them. A little mechanical dexterity goes a long way. Don't forget a strong sense of humor, not practical joke wise but able to laugh at bad situations when necessary. It will help your sanity.

[favoritemumsy]

I am very OCD and found that many of the good OR nurses are as well. Think it is a very good trait to have and be a successful OR nurse and definitely what the others said as well. Not taking anything too personally and be able to switch gears at a seconds notice.

[tino_ngo]

My first job coming out of nursing school was at an outpatient surgical center. I can definitely agree with most of the posts above, especially the part about having thick skin. That is something I had to learn fairly quick because a majority of the personalities in the OR are very strong-minded and extremely territorial.