I'm glad you thing I am doing it well! Other times, you may need to get silly. Thank you for writing this. I would only learn their way. You don't have to get along with everyone, but you do need to trust them. Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 20, 2018: Linda, Thank you! If someone calls me stupid, I may respond with, "Well I am a blonde, but I'm trying to become a brunette." I have trained several nurses new to the operating room as circulating nurses. I found that docs are nicer on call because they know you are all they have. It’s a tough place to be and some days it rocks you feel great other days leave questioning do I really make a difference is this really where I belong, Will I ever fit in, Will I ever really get it all, Will I ever be a respected appreciated part of the team, Will I be okay on call with only Dr, anesthesia and the scrub when we have those cases you need the Oh Shit cart.... Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on August 13, 2018: Thank you very much, kindanewnurse, for reading and leaving a comment! Notice if AORN's standards differ from your policies and procedures. It also helps to know The American Nurses Association's (ANA) "Code of Ethics.". Knowing your resources and who to ask for help is a critical aspect of OR nursing. Oh, you also made me think of a comment I overheard one coworker telling another coworker regarding being playful. This should never happen, irl or at work. Again, mistakes happen to everyone! Even the ones who say they don't. In the beginning, there is so much to learn and a preceptor cannot tell you every single thing you need to know to function on your own. (If yes always second scrub to learn.) It should never be "all about you." Therefore, it’s critical to be observant and watch how other team members behave and function. I don’t know how to handle it. Blyss is an avid reader and spends her time pursuing a healthy lifestyle. There are three items that are critical for success in the OR: … 9 Tips for New Operating Room Nurses Welcome to the world of OR nursing! Not to mention a hostile work place. I am just saying that is how it is. There is always something to learn in an operating room. I always had a notebook. I like your idea of keeping notes on the different set ups in the OR and the advice to listen and learn. Pens can go missing at any time, so always keep multiple pens in your locker or scrub pockets. Operating Room Nurse Interview Questions. One person's boundaries will often be different than another's. This also offers an opportunity to ask a preceptor questions. I attempted it twice, then explained I could not break sterile technique and went around the back table. Nurses new to the operating room should always be busy. :). Kati Kleber MSN RN CCRN-K is the founder and nurse educator of FreshRN. Picking cases is a very good habit. Find a mentor for yourself. I do not believe there is a simple right or wrong answer to this question. Life is frustrating. And an angel lifts your head up for lifesaving water from a straw. You may never had participated in a code, or any acute care situation. They can’t teach it in school - it’s a skill you honestly have to learn in practice. Most surgeons I know hate to see their circulating nurse paying more attention to someone other than him/her or his/her surgery. The American Nurses Association's (ANA) ". I hope your daughter does go into the OR. Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 19, 2018: Dora, Thank you very much! I wish I could give you more specific advice, but without knowing the surgeon it is difficult. One of the traits of a good circulating nurse … It’s a challenging job huge learning curve with technology and equipment, and surgical tools and all the sutures oh mylanta it’s overwhelming, the physical demands lifting moving puts, literally running for stuff, standing, holding heavy extremities when prepping or waiting for dry time or surgeon to decide to scrub in and join you, relearning a lot of human anatomy and physiology that you crammed into your brain that stayed in inbox and never made the saved in permanent storage file. I will say they found other people to yell at after a few of these discussions. If you have already started in the OR, and you have been sitting, change it now to standing. I usually let this roll off by smiling and saying “yes sir, I will know how you want it done next time.” Or “yes sir, I’m sorry”. This is a behavior that will get you that label of inattentive and uninterested. My rule is no sitting during your first three months. I also list the medical representatives and others such as X-ray techs. The thing about nursing or hospital work that appeals to me is the rewarding aspect of service when people need extra care and kindness. Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on February 19, 2018: All nursing students should be required to read your articles...just sayin'.