New grad nurse and want to become a perioperative nurse? Then you are at the right place! Welcome to the world of OR – where new grad nurses become surgical heroes working closely with surgical teams to ensure patients’ safety. Perioperative nursing involves caring for patients before, during, and after surgery. If you are a new grad nurse and want to pursue perioperative nursing as a career, then let’s discuss the pathway from New Grad to OR Nurse!
Different phases of preoperative nursing
A new grad operating room nurse should know the different phases of perioperative nursing, which are as follows:
- Perioperative phase: This is the phase before surgery, which involves preparing the patient physically and emotionally for surgery.
- Intraoperative phase: This phase involves assisting surgeons in the operating room (OR) during surgery, such as handling tools etc.
- Post-operative phase: This phase involves caring for the patient after surgery.
How to become an OR nurse as a new grad?
If you have already decided that you want to become an OR nurses then you need to follow the following steps to be successful perioperative nurse.
- Get your nursing degree, such as a BSN or ADN.
- Pass your NCLEX exam to get your nursing license so you can work in the hospital.
- Try to get OR clinical rotations, this will help you get prepared before becoming an OR nurse.
- Apply for perioperative nurse residency programs.
- Tailor your resume according to OR nursing skills.
- Get certifications related to the OR nursing field, such as BLS, ACLS, AORN Periop 101 Course.
- Be open to different OR settings.
Tips for new grad operating (OR) room nurse
If you are a new grad nurse transitioning to operating room nursing, then here are some tips to be a successful operating room new grad nurse:
- Understand the phases, roles, and skills required for operating room nurses.
- Apply for perioperative training programs, as many hospitals provide training programs to new grad nurses.
- Master how to sterilize the environment in the OR room to prevent infection.
- Study and gain knowledge related to surgical instruments and procedures.
- Perioperative nursing is a fast-paced environment; therefore, it is important to develop strong organizational and time management skills.
- Effective communication skills and teamwork are required for new grad operating room nurses to build relationships with the OR team.
- This transition can be overwhelming and it is important to stay calm under challenging conditions.
- Keep pens, a pocket-sized notebook and scissors ready, which can be used during OR shifts.
- Learn your hospital’s EMR and documentation process.
- As a new grad nurse in OR, be ready to learn new things every day.
- New grad nurses should always pay attention and observe their surroundings, team members and other healthcare workers.
- As a new grad operating room nurse, it is important to embrace adaptability. This means being open to learning new procedures, unexpected complications, different surgeon preferences, etc.
Skills required for a new grad operating room nurse
- Proficiency in monitoring vital signs, strong understanding of surgical procedures, wound care, understanding aseptic techniques, etc.
- Attention to detail and maintaining a sterile environment to ensure patient safety and infection prevention.
- New grad operating room nurse also requires strong communication skills to communicate with healthcare team members, patients and their families.
- A new grad needs to be comfortable with surgical instruments and the technology used in OR nursing.
- Physical stamina is another requirement for new grad operating room nurses.
- One of the skills required by new grad OR nurse is advocating for their vulnerable and unconscious patients.
Can a new grad nurse work in the OR (Operating room)?
Yes, a new grad nurse can work in OR, depending on the hospitals and training programs they provide. Many hospitals provide perioperative residency programs or new grad OR training programs designed to help new nurses transition into OR nursing.
What are the highly recommended certifications for new grad nurses who want to pursue OR nursing?
Some of the highly recommended certifications for new grad OR nurses are as follows:
- TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
- CSSM (Certified Surgical Services Manager)
- CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room)
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
Do you need ACLS or PCLS as a new grad OR nurse?
As a new grad OR nurse, you need to have a BLS certificate as it is a requirement of all nurses. ACLS is often required depending on where you work, but strongly recommended if you want to succeed in OR nursing. PALS certification is only required if you want to work as a pediatric nurse.
What are instrument cards or preference cards?
Each surgeon has a preference card that OR nurses should study ahead of time. this preference card or instrument card has a list of instruments and preferences that the surgeon needs before the procedure. OR nurses set up the OR room according to this preference card.
Conclusion
Starting as a new grad OR nurse can be overwhelming, but with the right education, training, and preparation, you can thrive in the OR environment. Staying curious and focused can help you thrive in the OR environment. Some skills are required for a new grad OR nurse, such as adaptability, commitment to learning, communication skills, attention to detail, etc, to build a strong foundation in perioperative nursing.
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