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One Thing Right
By: Margaret Vance, MSN, RN, CNOR, NPD-BC
Published: 8/30/2023
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As a new nurse in the OR, it can be overwhelming to say the least. As soon as your confidence is forming in one area, you begin a new specialty rotation and are right back to the start. Whether you are new to practice or had previous nursing experience, the OR is a unique specialty area that is often not intertwined in nursing curriculum.
Focusing on the Positive
During orientation, it is completely normal to have feelings of self-doubt and the ever-existent thought of “I cannot believe I forgot to do a simple task.” After onboarding several new-to-practice nurses in the OR, postconference is often filled with what went wrong. Cheerleading debriefing sessions are necessary to keep the positive vibes going! Novice nurses: it is so simple to beat yourself up over the negative and not reflect on what went right.
When I was orienting in the OR, a preceptor told me to identify at least one thing a day that was positive. I repeat, you did something right today, you accomplished a task that you did not last week, you anticipated a need that you could not a few weeks ago. In a short amount of time, you will be amazed at the perioperative nurse you have become.
Not sure where to begin with positive reflection? Start here:
- Was I able to accomplish a task independently that I could not last week or month?
- Did I anticipate a need before another team member prompted me?
- Was there a safety catch that I identified?
- Was I able to make a connection with my patient and make them feel comfortable?
Download Digital Positive Reflections Postcard
Good Company
Positivity also loves company, so make sure to spread it around! One of my orientees recently shared that a surgeon fist bumped her after scrubbing in a total joints case, and it made her day. The boost that comes with sentiments from peers, surgeons, managers, and educators make an impact.
Take every moment of self-reflection to learn and be sure to celebrate even the smallest win. You know you did at least one thing right!
AORN Resources
- The Power of Positivity | AORN Periop Life
- 5 Habits to Quit on Your Path to Positivity | AORN Periop Life
AORN members can access:
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