Returning to OR after 13 yrs

[Kateenlitlade]

I left OR nursing 13 yrs. ago (4 yrs. exp.then moved to midwest); did mostly circulating with some scrubbing in med. size hosp. Am now 53 yrs. old and want to return, possibly to travel nursing if I can get some recent exp.. My confidence is shaky, with thoughts like: am I too old (I wear bifocals), has too much changed, will I fit in, etc. Any advice on how to prepare to rejoin the OR crew? Any texts to review, refresher programs, etc. Thank you for any help.

[jadegypsy]

girl, I am 60 next month and you will find most OR nurses are over 45. We are all getting old. You will fit in fine, be confident and be aware that you will be learning a whole slew of new electronic equipment and computers. Robotics, vidio cameras,
a multitude of coagulating and cutting devices, ablaters, etc , etc. What hasn't changed is the reality that OR nurses have not changed. You were then and are now the advocate for the patient when they cannot speak for themselves, Sterile technique, sterile conscience, patient safety and positioning, fundamentals of skin prep, etc. have not changed. Give yourself at least a year in a general multi specialty hospital and then hit the road. You will do great!!!!!!!!!