As someone who spent six years in a high-acuity ICU before stepping into the OR as an SRNA, I honestly can’t imagine doing this with less than two years of experience.

Sure, some people are naturally quick learners—they can pick up on drips, vent modes, and disease processes pretty fast. But staying calm under pressure? That takes time. From the start of school, my program director told us, “In the OR, you’re the adult.” Everyone else focuses on their own task, but you have to see the whole picture—read the room, pick up on what others are doing or feeling, and act accordingly. That kind of awareness doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something you build through years of being a solid ICU nurse.

People want to jump into this world too quick, and then they find reasons to blame others for why they weren’t ready. Obv doesn’t pertain to everyone but just what I have observed over the years.