r/newgradnurse

Hi everyone! I’m a new grad nurse about to start my residency in the operating room, and I’m so excited to begin this journey! 🥹

I wanted to ask those of you who work in the OR for any advice, especially those who went through a Periop 101 program. What was your experience like, and what do you wish you had known going in?

I’d love any tips and tricks, must-dos and don’ts, study resources, or advice on learning surgical instruments and remembering their names and uses. What helped you become a confident, competent surgical nurse, and what skills should I focus on developing early in my career?

I’m also curious about your OR essentials! What are your must-haves for your locker or fanny pack, if you carry one? And what shoes do you recommend for long shifts in the OR? Any favorite clogs or slides that are comfortable and easy to clean?

Basically, I’m looking for all the advice you’d give a new grad starting out in the OR. I want to learn as much as I can, be a great team member, and set myself up for success!
Thank you in advance! ❤️🩺

I'm currently in the process of applying for new grad RN jobs. I just never know how to answer this question on job applications; especially for giant, national healthcare systems.

For context, I have been fired from three jobs:

• The first was a unit secretary job that I had for 4 years. I was fired back in 2019 for attendance issues. I should have communicated my needs to my supervisors, as I was very deep into a depressive episode. I can't leave this job off applications. It's like the only thing that makes me look competitive.
• One was in 2021, I had worked there for a month and I did not get along with the head veterinarian at a cat hospital.
• The most recent termination was from a monitor tech job in 2022. I was let go for too many call-ins during my probationary period. It was my fault, I overloaded myself with school and a long commute.

I have since had exemplary attendance at my all my jobs since then and in my nursing program. I get along with all my classmates, faculty members, coworkers and supervisors. I have matured a lot in the last few years.

If I select "yes": they may instantly filter me out -- permanently, assuming that the answers to these job applications for these giant health systems stays across multiple positions in multiple hospitals. Because of that, if I initially select "yes" and I never get any calls/bites/interview offers, then decide to start saying "no" on applications for the same health system, would that not flag me?

If I select "no": they may call past employers who may tell them I'm not eligible for rehire. Plus it's dishonest, and that is extra bad in nursing.

I want to be honest, and I wouldn't mind sharing the reasons for termination with my potential employer. I accept responsibility for my terminations, and I am a different person now. But I don't want to ruin my chances of getting hired.

What should I put? "Yes" or "no"?

Have any new grads out there been told they were not a fit for their job before the first shift was over?

I was told by the director of my unit on the afternoon of my first day that she had had conversations with those who had worked with me and had come to the conclusion that the unit was not a fit for me. She offered to get me an interview on another floor, where I was subsequently not selected. I felt so awkward and humiliated that I voluntarily resigned. I wish I had stood up for myself. This feels harsh and unfair. Have any of you experienced this? My self esteem has taken a hit, and I’m having trouble putting myself back out there.