As a new grad what concept needed to prepare or study if accepted in OR unit? I don't know where to start what I needed to study before beginning my duty in OR, I feel like I forgotten my knowledge already. Thank you.
I bought a copy of Alexander's guide for OR training. I would read the night before for my cases the next day. This was my main resource. There are some pocket guides for OR nurses, as well. I asked if I could work in the instrument room for an hour a day and put sets together. My preceptor recommended the book, and it is on Amazon. Play with the technology when you have an opportunity. I would say don't form decisions about Doctor's based solely on your team members perception. Find a book with AORN standards so that you can get the certification in the first year. If your facility has preference cards, make a copy and study them. They usually place you in one specialty to start with on your first day. You will probably be working in general surgery. Update, the physical cards and your copies. Have everything available that is on the card, possibly in your workspace. Put it all up afterwards and pull cases so that you know where items are for that specialty. I wish you much success. The OR can be a lot of fun. Hope this helps!
The best way to learn to find a facility that has an OR internship or Fellowship program. You will get guidance in a paced and progressive manner while being supported with preceptor as you learn.
I found an old fashioned pen and notebook. Take copious notes. I used to take a copy of the preference card and make my notes on it, and saved them in a notebook.
Not to be a Debbie-Downer but, I started an OR training program to get off the floor with bedside nursing, and I quit. Not very welcoming. My preceptor was fine but all the others were evil. I heard that ORs are like that. They are not welcoming until you prove yourself you can be one of them. As a new grad, I’d look elsewhere.
The surgical unit should have a detailed learning plan for you to follow as you also shadow in areas of the same focus area. You will not be thrown in to just GO. Don’t allow your peers to eat their young! Do not take on a task or assignment unless you get the support required for you to be a successful perioperative nurse. Pay attention to the Value Analysis process.
