My Best Advice for Nurses New to the Operating Room

Author:
Kari Poulsen
Updated date:
Jun 12, 2020

Kari is a retired operating room registered nurse. Although she is retired, the interest never waned. She loves all things OR related.

Read on for tips to enter the OR for the first time with confidence.

New to the Operating Room

It is hard being new to an operating room. Everyone watches and evaluates all your actions. People have different ways of doing things, and everyone thinks their way is the "right" way. Much of what you are told is different from the training you received while studying for your certification.

Some days it seems everything you do is wrong, even when you know it is technically correct. Life is frustrating. You wonder if it will ever let up. You wonder what you can do to decrease the dissatisfaction you feel every day. Days that you receive praise are banner days. They lift you up and keep you going.

In the ever-changing world of an operating room, it is sometimes hard for nurses new to the environment to know how to improve their skills. They may see another new circulating or scrub nurse and wonder why they do not get yelled at as much.

I'm going to share the best information I have for nurses new to the OR. You may have heard it before, or it may be new. I have trained several nurses new to the operating room as circulating nurses. These are the behaviors I expect from them.

See all those standing legs in the background? You need to stand, never sit for at least three months.
pixabay

1. Stand up During Surgery

One of the main rules I tell my trainees is to stand up during surgery. I know that you will see many nurses sitting down, and some may be reading magazines. My rule is no sitting during your first three months.

New nurses who sit during surgery are considered inattentive and uninterested. The doctors complain about new staff sitting. Although you may never hear them, they do. I know this is unfair, but it happens. Even if you are only sitting to do your charting, doctors and other staff members will complain about you.

Remember all you were taught regarding first impressions. There is no time like the present to make the doctors and other staff perceive you as attentive and interested. If you have already started in the OR, and you have been sitting, change it now to standing. Standing and watching the sterile field is a circulating nurse's job.

2. It's Not All About You

Remember that in surgery it should never be "all about you." When the doctor is upset and yelling, even when it is directed at you, it is most likely not about you. Some doctors are never happy until after the first case. This doctor had a fight with his wife. Sometimes the surgery is not going well.

We, as nurses, want to be in the background. We want to be like elevator music. You know it is there, but you do not pay attention to it. When we do our jobs correctly, the doctor has fewer things to worry about. S/he can concentrate on the surgery knowing that the circulating nurse has everything else under control.

It should never be "all about you." Surgeons yell many things in the heat of the moment that they do not mean. They usually have several things on their mind, and this makes them seem frustrated. But, most surgeons will not even remember what they said to you during surgery.

3. Do Not Hold a Grudge

Please do not hold a grudge. Let disparaging comments and snide remarks roll off you like water off a duck's back. You can not take these things to heart. It is going to happen. You can not hold a grudge against staff or doctors because it will impact your patient care.

If you feel you need to, by all means, confront staff and surgeons regarding their actions. I strongly agree with doing this. But, confront them after surgery, not during. Find a private or semi-private place to talk. It is not the entire OR's business.

I feel continually confronting them cuts down on how much they yell and carry on in their room. They come to remember that you confront them, which is as uncomfortable to them as it is to you.

4. Have a Sense of Humor

Have a sense of humor. You can laugh as easily as you can get upset. If someone calls me stupid, I may respond with, "Well I am a blonde, but I'm trying to become a brunette." I try to make derogatory comments into jokes. At times this can relieve some of the tension in the room.

Sometimes a sick and dark sense of humor is needed. Other times, you may need to get silly. Over time you will learn when you can joke and when it will get you yelled at. Sometimes you will need to joke to relieve the tension. Learn the skill of judging the tone of the room.

5. Pay Attention to Criticism

When critical comments come my way, I pay attention. I will ask the speaker how to better myself. Or, if I do not understand what I did wrong, I will ask for clarification. During these times I will be earnest and open. Never let critical statements go by without addressing them. There is always something to learn in an operating room.

6. Do Not Get Intimidated

This is a hard one for many people. It may seem like an impossible task not to be intimidated by someone in power over you. But you need to stand your ground. I have been yelled at by surgeons and/or staff more times than I can remember.

As a nurse, you have a license to protect. Doctors often forget this and need to be reminded. As a licensed registered nurse you need to know your state law. It also helps to know The American Nurses Association's (ANA) "Code of Ethics."

Always read your facility's policy and procedure (P&P) book. Then (and this is important) follow them. Ask to see the AORN "Standards of Care". Notice if AORN's standards differ from your policies and procedures.

Know the rules of sterile technique. Do not break sterile technique, even if the surgeon wants you to. I once had a surgeon who needed dressings and wanted me to walk between the back table and the patient. Everything was still sterile. I attempted it twice, then explained I could not break sterile technique and went around the back table. This greatly increased the surgeon's respect for me.

With the information you learn from P&P, standards of care, and state law, you can give the surgeon a valid reason for doing something or not doing something. Paraphrasing and stating where your knowledge came from will give you more authority.

7. Carry a Small Notebook

I always carry a small, multicolored, index-card notebook. The index cards stand up to constant use much better than paper. Being multicolored means it is easier to find what you need.

I always list the staff's and doctors' full name and initials such as DO, MD, CST, or whatever they are. I also list the medical representatives and others such as X-ray techs. This way you will not have to ask for everyone's full names and spellings each time.

I use one color per specialty, or sometimes per two specialties, depending on how many doctors there are in each. Then I break it down by doctors. I always try to get the pickiest listed first for the easiest reference.

I find there are always little things I forget, especially when I am in a new facility. I will list information such as bovie settings, positioning aids, headlights, and any other information I do not routinely remember. Then I check the list after setting up the room to make sure I have everything I need. This helps because there is not always time to read the entire pick list and comments.

If I have forgotten the same thing twice, I will list it in my little book. We all have certain things we do not remember. When you list them in a small pocket-sized notebook it will help.

8. Make Routines

As much as possible make routines. I have a routine for setting up the room; a routine for interviewing the patient; a routine for starting a case; and a routine for ending a case.

These routines help me to remember all the items, questions, and/or actions that are needed. There is so much information for nurses new to the OR to remember and so little time to think about it. Before it overwhelms you, make a routine. Always follow your routine. If you need, practice interviewing your patient in front of a mirror at home.

You will need minor adjustments to your routines depending on the age of the patient, the specialty, and/or the physician's preference. First, try to get your basic routines down pat.

9. Keep Your Mouth Shut

This may sound like a stupid task. But, those who are not talking are listening. You can answer questions when asked and ask questions that pertain to the surgery. But do not get sucked into conversations unless everything is going very well.

Some surgeons and staff will try to distract you by talking to you. Then they will accuse you of being inattentive. You will not have those sponges ready to open. You will not get the dressings on the table in time. Always focus on the operation. Always focus on the patient.

10. Do Not Stand and Talk to Anesthesia Providers

In the OR, there is always a little bit of competition between surgeons and anesthesia providers. This is one of the reasons that surgeons hate to see their circulator standing (or sitting) and having a conversation with the anesthesia provider that does not pertain to the surgery or the patient.

This is a behavior that will get you that label of inattentive and uninterested. Most surgeons I know hate to see their circulating nurse paying more attention to someone other than him/her or his/her surgery. Many will tell you to pay attention and quit talking.

11. Show Interest

Show interest and ask questions. Read up on any new surgeries the night before. When you have time, go in to observe a surgery you have not done. Or, go and observe a doctor you have not worked with.

If you have a few minutes to spare, ask the scrub personnel what the different instruments on the mayo stand are used for in the specific surgery. Try to watch and see which instruments the scrub nurse passes and when. Keep your interest focused on the operation.

12. Do Not Hang out in the Lounge

Nurses new to the operating room should always be busy. There is so much to learn and so little time. Do not hang out in the lounge. Sitting in the lounge is acceptable for lunch and breaks, and also after a very long or a very difficult case. All other times, the lounge is off-limits for at least three months.

When staff and surgeons see you sitting in the lounge at odd times, they will decide you are lazy. We all make snap judgments. In the OR, we are always watching and judging new staff. We want people who we can feel safe with when the case goes downhill. Lazy people do not fit this image.

There are usually all types of specialty carts and/or supplies that you need to know. Picking cases is a very good habit. You will learn what different cases require, and get to read all the comments. Reading policies and procedures and/or reading AORN standards is another good use of time.

13. Scrub in Anytime You Can

Learning the role of the scrub nurse makes you a better circulating nurse. Whenever you have some extra time, and can convince someone to let you, scrub in. You will learn why certain instruments are so important. You learn what the surgical routine is. You learn why you need to be attentive to the needs of the scrub nurse.

14. Find a Mentor

Find a mentor for yourself. Someone with experience that you can ask all the questions you feel are stupid. This will be someone who you feel at ease with. This person will give you constructive criticism and advice. They will also listen to your problems when you need to vent.

Usually, when you start in the OR, you are "given" to a nurse for orientation. Often times this nurse will become your mentor. At other times, you will find a different person to mentor you. Just make sure you are comfortable with the person.

15. Realize That Some Doctors Are Never Happy

Last, but not least, realize that some staff and doctors are never happy. Some people enjoy intimidating others. Some people just like to complain all the time.

I once asked an orthopedic surgeon why he was so evil to the staff in his room. I explained that people do their jobs better when he is not stressing them out. He flat out told me he likes to intimidate others. It was enjoyable to him.

Buy an "Alexander's: Care of the Patient in Surgery"

I Hope These Help

I hope these tips are useful to you and help you in your pursuit of becoming an outstanding OR nurse. There are several different ways of being new, but please put forward the image that you are attentive and interested. Having a reputation for attention and interest will save you many a browbeating.

If you have any tips for the new nurses, please tell me in the comments. And feel free to vent!

P.S.: The First Year Is the Hardest

The first year in the operating room is the hardest. It takes most people a year to start feeling comfortable. Not that you will be comfortable with everything, just that you no longer feel like you are drowning every day.

I always advise nurses new to the operating room to make a big deal about their one year anniversary. Bake yourself a cake, throw yourself a party, and at the very least, make sure you tell the other staff. One year is a magic number in the operating room. People stop worrying that you will be unable to make it. Most people who quit the operating room do so in the first year.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Questions & Answers

Question: When should a Scrub Nurse refuse to scrub?

Answer: This is a complicated question because each facility's rules and resources are different. Each person is also different. One person's boundaries will often be different than another's. I do not believe there is a simple right or wrong answer to this question. With all this in mind, I will tell you how I determined it.

If I thought that my scrub abilities were not a good match for a procedure and there was another person more able available, I would say ask to have the more experienced person first scrub and let me second scrub.

We always have to think about the patient first. Will my scrubbing this case put the patient in danger? Will I increase the anesthesia time for this patient? Is anyone more able available to scrub this case? (If yes always second scrub to learn.) Is there any policy or procedure which prohibits me doing the case?

Many times no-one else is available to scrub the case, then (especially on emergency cases) you will be required to scrub. Ensure the surgeon knows the reason you felt unable to scrub the case so s/he can decide if they prefer to delay the case (if routine). Tell the surgeon and team that you have no experience on the case and/or instrumentation at the time out before an emergency starts. If you are the only scrub available and the case is an emergency, you have no choice but to scrub it.

There is also "conscientious objection" which is a moral objection based on personal values. I worked in many hospitals that provided for this right. Using this objection for abortion can be complicated in the operating room. A miscarriage that was not totally evacuated naturally for the patient is called an "abortion". However, the fetus is already dead putting the mother at risk.

Question: I’m a new grad and enrolled nurse and have been put in orthopaedics as my first rotation. Is it normal to be struggling?

Answer: It is normal to struggle in orthopedics. Orthopedics has many, many instruments. I had to force myself to learn ortho. I struggled for months, getting yelled at every day. Our orthopedic surgeons were pretty volatile and complained about me often. But I did get it and I became one of our best ortho nurses.

Comments

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 24, 2020:

@Maryann - I tried to reply to your email, but my email would not send.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on September 15, 2019:

I have worked in this type of facility, in fact most facilities have this problem to some extent. Even the ones who say they don't. I agree the time has come to stop this. I cannot understand that there are HR's still around that do not understand that this is verbal abuse with occasional physical assault and battery. Not to mention a hostile work place.

I found that even the surgeons who liked working with me and trusted me implicitly yell at me during difficult portions of the surgery. I have been called nearly every name in the book. Did you know I am "one of the most incompetent people God ever put on this earth"?

I understand going to HR doesn't help. They pander to the surgeons. I have worked with HR depts that will find a way to fire you if you complain too much. The surgeons make money for the hospital. Usually the OR is the highest revenue producer for a hospital.

I used to approach the surgeon and confront them about their behavior. I would do this after their last case of the day. Usually they claim ignorance of their behavior or deny they could have been that way. I will say they found other people to yell at after a few of these discussions.

I am very sorry to hear you go to the changing room to cry. This should never happen, irl or at work. We all know it. I do not know the reason they make you cry. Anger, frustration, disappointment in them and you, all of these may make you cry.

I worked with a surgeon who intimidated people for fun during surgery. I asked him once why he yells so much at certain people, even when they are doing a good job. He replied that he loves to imtimidate people. He didn't intimidate me because I will not respond emotionally.

Maybe it is time to look for a new facility to work at. Not all allow this behavior. If you have any magnet facilities, try those. I agree that no amount of money is worth the abuse you take in an operating room.

I never really worked OR for the money, as a nurse I get paid the same for every job in a hospital (or almost the same). I worked in the operating room because I loved it. I loved the hustle, the tension, and the good times. It is the good times that kept me coming back. I literally miss OR every day.

I am not trying to justify the surgeon's behavior in this article. I am just saying that is how it is.

Ruth on September 14, 2019:

I'm sorry but I have been a scrub nurse for seven years and I can't wait to get out of it as the verbal abuse is constant and sometimes gets even physical and no one supports ever the scrub nurse as the managers only care about keeping surgeons happy.

I consider myself very good and very disciplined but I had a hell of a time when I started and I still have days when I am told things like I am not competent enough or that I need training.

The number of times that I went to the changing room to cry because of this constant abuse from surgeons is so large that I can't even remember it and at the end of the day everything is allowed for surgeons as '' they are stressed'' so they are allowed to shout be aggressive, intimidate and even throw instruments or bodily fluids at you just because you work in a tough speciality.

The operating room needs a change and we shouldn't be promoting this submissive or overly understanding attitude as abuse should never be justified in any way.

Being a scrub nurse showed me that no job is well paid enough for you to be mistreated, undermined or less than any other health are professional.

Kind regards

Just the scrub nurse

The operating r

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 08, 2019:

Katherine, you're welcome. You can always ask here or if you prefer you may email me at the address on my profile.

Katherine on February 07, 2019:

Thank you so much Kari for getting back to me so quickly and thank you for the advice and information!

I do have a few more questions ( I mean I haven’t even started yet lol ) So I will reserve some for my preceptor :)

Thank you again!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 05, 2019:

Hi Katherine, I found that a spiral notebook of index cards worked best. Mine had cards of different colors. Paper didn't stand up to all the many things I would shove in my pockets.

It may be best to check with your mentor regarding shoes. All leather is best because solutions (and blood) will not soak into them. Most ORs will allow you to wear dedicated shoes without covers. All visiting shoes require covers.

Thank you for reading this article. I wish you all the best in your new endeavor! Feel free to contact me again if you have more questions.

Katherine on February 04, 2019:

I have worked in med-surg and oncology for the past 9 years and I am so excited to move to the operating room!! I have so much to learn and I am very excited. Some silly questions, like what is the best notebook to buy? A spiral notebook or like a leather bound little notebook?

What are the best kind of shoes to wear? I usually wear Nike running shoes to work but I had to wear covers when I went down to the OR.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 09, 2019:

I wish you the best. Ask many questions. Write me any time, even if it is just to vent. You can use the link on my profile if you would like to email me. :)

New Nurse on January 08, 2019:

Thank you for your reply and advice. I agree with what you said about trust in the OR. I see this especially with the older generations in the OR.

After 10 days off for vacation I am ready to get back into it tomorrow. I am going in with the confidence that I can take on whatever procedures they put me in and to ask questions when necessary and to be “on”. I know the basics, and I think that is enough to get me through for now.

I can’t wait until the day I can look back on the obstacles it took to get to being a great OR nurse. For now, I will go in with a positive attitude, try my best. and not let this job stress take over my entire life!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on January 05, 2019:

Thank you Camlyn for reading and commenting. I hope your book does well.

Camlyn Brown on January 04, 2019:

Thank you for writing this. I am currently having a book published " Surviving Theaters as a New Grad" and it is so nice to see that others are also seeing and realizing the struggle that new practitioners go through with in their first twelve months and what they can do to get through it successfully to have the life long career most of us enjoy

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on December 28, 2018:

First, being a new nurse causes more distrust. You may never had participated in a code, or any acute care situation. In the operating room trust is key. You don't have to get along with everyone, but you do need to trust them. I know this because I went straight to the OR as a new nurse.

There is distrust from staff, surgeons and anesthesia providers anytime a new person enters "their" OR. But for the new nurse it is intensified. It takes a while for the OR staff to accept any new comer, whether an ICU nurse, ER nurse or new nurse.

I used to tell people that I had not learned any bad habits yet, so they wouldn't have to break me of them. I would only learn their way.

I can guarantee it will get better, but the wait for better is hard and long. It took a year before I was comfortable with all the equipment, procedures, personalities and preferences. From there you are still learning more complicated procedures.

Stick with it, you will get there. It is your desire to make it that tells me this. For right now, just out of orientation, you are under the microscope. You won't have to prove yourself to any one person, but to several people. Just grow that thick skin (not too thick) and remember to be nice to the new nurses once you are experienced.

Here is an example of how hard learning the OR is, and how seriously I took it:

I once had to train my best friend into the operating room. She called me a b**** several times during this process. I told her that her training may break our friendship, but I was going to make sure if my children needed an operation and she was on call, she would be competent. Luckily our friendship survived. She eventually went to work for another hospital system and thanked me for her training.

New nurse on December 27, 2018:

I am a new nurse and jumped right into a periop program that was 6 months long at a level 1 trauma center. I am now off orientation (it has been 3 months) and I can say how emotionally exhausting it is. I agree with what someone said about being under a microscope and am always being criticized. Your advice in this article is very helpful and am trying my very best to take it. It’s hard not to feel beaten down by other people and know that I must grow thicker skin. I love being a part of surgery, but holy crap the clashing personalities make it more exhausting than anything. I hope that it will get better. I know everyone says the first year is the hardest, I just really really hope it gets better. I want to stay in the OR, I just hope I survive first :( It’s hard to build confidence when people keep beating you down....

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on November 05, 2018:

C Henson, you pose a very good question. My first response is to confront the surgeon alone. He is trying to intimidate you to see how well you do under pressure. Does he treat the other nurses this way? Maybe it is because you are new. Have you asked your manager's or the other nurses' advice on how to handle him? The next time he asks you to leave the room maybe you can call out to manage the issue. Otherwise would someone be available to watch your room while you handle the problem. Or do you have anyone, a tech or housekeeper who can go and get the answer?

All that being said, some surgeons are just unreasonable. He may not like you because you remind him of someone else. It may be that he needs to show his power. If your manager understands he probably has played this game before. With some docs you will know the experience will be unpleasant. Don't let his behavior fluster you or spoil your day. We cannot control others, just our reaction to them.

I wish I could give you more specific advice, but without knowing the surgeon it is difficult. We deal with all personality in the OR, it is one of the more challenging aspects of the job. Good luck and if you want to vent you can contact me from my profile.

C Henson1 on November 03, 2018:

Hi! I have been an OR RN for almost 3 years. I recently moved to a surgery center where I work with an orthopedic surgeon who is always making snide comments or fussing at me for petty things. 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”. Friday the anesthesiologist was telling the MD during surgery that he couldn’t find part of the patients clearance. The doctor yelled at me to go ask the preop nurses to get it.. so I did.. it took a good 5 minutes for me to track them down and tell them what I needed. A scrub tech met me in the hall and told me they needed me in the room. When I got back in the OR the MD was very angry that I had been gone for longer than he thought I should have been. I apologized. About 20 minutes later he asked me where the paperwork was.. I told him I would ask the preop nurses.. I was gone for 2 minutes and returned with the paperwork. He went ballistic over the fact that I had left the room again. I told him I was doing what he asked and he told me not to ever leave again. I feel confused because I thought I was doing what he asked. After surgery he told my nurse manager and director that I kept leaving the room after he told me not to, that the sales rep was doing my job and that he didn’t want me in his room . I take my job seriously and have never had an issue like this before. I don’t know how to handle it. I am only PRN at this facility and my nurse manager took up for me but I’m really upset about it. Any advice would be appreciated.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on October 24, 2018:

Crystal, your comment brings it all back to me. Don't worry, more and more days will rock as time goes on. I found that docs are nicer on call because they know you are all they have. I think it took me a good five years before i became really comfortable. It is a tough job, but one that is supremely satisfying. Hang in there, it sounds to me that you have what it takes. You will definitely become an excellent OR nurse!

Crystal Gem on October 24, 2018:

I have been in OR almost a year and I have felt the heat of being under microscope entire time so grateful to know it’s normal....another RN who started out after me who is close friends with OR manager got the tour and personal introductions by manager to all Drs and staff and definitely a difference in how she is treated, discouragement creeps in at times! It is a tough environment and I am a gentle spirited person who has had many life experiences toughen me up but it is rough dog eat dog environment sometimes especially with older techs and nurses and physicians focused on their numbers and ego not their patients or team. But flip side you see some Drs who amaze you are meticulous and very best patient outcome focus and you feel such pride being part of their team and working with them. 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. Having sometimes surgeries where you are so busy circulating you cannot chart and you have to get all 5 incisions documented with dressings used and all specimens in before patient is wheeled out of OR. You need to have super powers to read the emotions, unspoken needs that are surfacing, juggle multiple tasks to satisfaction and needs of others often simultaneously follow nursing and hospital protocol even when Doctors have egos and perceptions and tell you we don’t do that or it’s not necessary. 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!

kindanewnurse on August 13, 2018:

so true!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on April 15, 2018:

Kim, Thank you so much for reading and commenting. It is a shame, but I felt they needed to know. I hope your daughter does go into the OR. Thanks again

Kim Maye on April 07, 2018:

Good Article! Being an OR nurse for 30 years, it makes me sad to see how some of the nurses "eat their young". It's a shame that one of the tasks is "Don't hold a Grudge". Some doctors and nurses can be rude and sarcastic,(made me cry a time or two) but follow the advice and it will be short lived, because they will see that you are hard working and willing to learn! Thanks for posting this. As a mom with a daughter in nursing school and interested in OR nursing, I will be having her read this!

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on March 09, 2018:

Thank you, Genna! It's hard being a new nurse. :)

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on March 04, 2018:

This is impressive...and a must read for new nurses, Kari. Thank you for sharing this.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 22, 2018:

Thanks for stopping by, Jackie! It is a scary place for conflicting orders. You are right, over time we learn how to handle these things. The OR is such a specialized area, it is different from all other nursing.

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on February 21, 2018:

The operating room would sure be a scary place to get conflicting orders! But I guess it is that way in all things we do. I am sure time smooths it all out.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 21, 2018:

Thank you, FlourishAnyway! I do love to teach. I always learn new things, because people have different points of view.

FlourishAnyway from USA on February 21, 2018:

You give such specific advice that I bet you are a very encouraging mentor to new OR nurses.

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 20, 2018:

Linda, Thank you! I'm trying to make a collection. I think there is a rarity of articles of this type. I'm glad you thing I am doing it well! :)

Kari Poulsen (author) from Ohio on February 20, 2018:

Thank you, Eric. I have a saying, Doctors cure diseases and nurses help you live with them. Many people do not realize that nurses practice holistically, while doctors are more disease focused.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on February 19, 2018:

This is another article that should be very useful for nurses. You're creating a great collection, Kari.

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on February 19, 2018:

So you wake up from the job the doctors do. And an angel lifts your head up for lifesaving water from a straw. There in is life and love and any OR nurse is a the finest person I ever did meet.