Hello to everyone
I'm new to the site and wanted to introduce myself. I have been an RN since July 2005. I'm 47 years old, it just took me longer than most to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. LOL. Anyway, I have been working on a Oncology, Med/Surg unit since I graduated. I work four nights a week from 11p-7a. No weekends, but most all holidays. It is a very busy floor. We have 32 beds and work 4 RN's and 3 CNA's. So we have 8 patients each at night. Most nights I don't even get to take a break. It is better than it was when I first started. I've gotten the organization and time management thing under control most times. My desire is to work in the OR. I am going to be starting a prn job in the OR soon, along with my full time job. I figure it's a good way to get my foot in the door. I'm nervous about it, but I'm really excited about it too. If anyone has any good advice for me as far as the OR please feel free to let me know.
I look forward to getting to know others here and reading your stories and hoping I can give some advice too if needed.

Are you going through training for the OR? This is not an area you can walk into without any training, so I'm a bit confused.

Sorry, I just can't imagine training in the OR prn. There is so much to learn, it's like no other area of nursing. Learn the instruments, ,you'll need to know them because you'll have to find replacements or something not pulled for the case. Learn the procedures, because this is the basis of knowledge you'll need to know what instruments, drapes, extras, and positioning. If you aren't comfortable with something, do not do it. Remember it's your license on the line at all times. Don't let anyone bully you into getting patients into the room before you're ready. NEVER leave the room, while the patient is going to sleep or waking up, these are the two most critical times. If your scrub needs something during this time, either they break scrub and get it or they can wait. Time management and organizational skills are paramount. Get your routine going and stick to it but be flexible when you can. Learn your equipment to the point, you can operate it in your sleep. You'll be the trouble shooter, so it's essential you know how to operate it. I carried a small note book with me at all times, continually jotted down notes to myself. By the time I left the OR, after 29 years, I had 54 little note books I had filled with pertinent information.

I lost the hearing in one ear and couldn't any longer keep my patient safe. The OR is a noisy place and it became far to much of a struggle hearing to be functional. So, I started my own business as a healthcare recruiter, working for the nurses, finding them good positions that fit their needs.

Welcome! I am in my final semester of LPN school. Am going on to be an RN. My passion is OR. I've been very fortunate because one of my instructors was an OR nurse for years. We have been doing several "surgery marathons" on clinical days. It is absolutely fascinating! My instructor has kind of taken me under her wing and she explains a lot of what is going on before, during, and after a surgical procedure. I have found that the Dr., nurses, CRNA's are all very helpful and explain how and why certain things are done. You get a whole new concept of "sterile technique" Surgery is a completely different world from Med/Surg. I'm very fortunate that I will get to do my preceptorship in surgery. I've had some people tell me that you have to have a couple years Med/Surg to get into the OR and some that have told me they got right in straight out of nursing school. My best advice is to brush up on sterile technique and your anatomy. I'm sure there are other OR nurses out there who can give better advice and I would love to hear from them! There is so much teamwork in the OR and it is fascinating to watch everyone contribute to the process. Good Luck!!!