I am a brand spankin' new, just passed my boards nurse and I was hired into the OR. I have spent the past few days in orientation and then I spend the next 5 weeks in the perioperative program. After that, I work with a preceptorship until I am placed on my own. The word TERRIFIED is a staggering understatement. Are there any surgical nurses out there who have any advice? I have a lot of pressure on me to do well, as I was told by about 10 different people that my department doesn't hire new grads so I must have really impressed them in order to be hired.

I'm really freaking out that I'm going to screw up and they will realize they made a mistake in hiring me!! Any words of wisdom?? Thanks!!
My best advice to you is to calm down, KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT!! you will sail! Its not easy with that pressure, however, the hospital is probably short OR nurses and that's why you are there. OR nurses have a variety of specialties. You may find that you like a particular specialty and feel comfortable. GOOD LUCK!!!!