Top 5 Stress Triggers for New OR Staff (and How to Beat Them)

Starting out in the OR is no joke.

Between trying to learn the flow of surgeries, mastering sterile technique, and figuring out which clamp is which—it’s a lot. And let’s be real: it can be stressful.

If you’re a new OR nurse or part of the surgical team and feeling overwhelmed, first of all—take a breath. You’re not alone. Every single one of us has been there, and those early days? They’re hard, but they don’t last forever.

Let’s break down the top 5 stress triggers that new OR staff face—and more importantly, how to work through them like the strong, capable clinician you’re becoming.

1. Not Knowing the Procedure (or the Surgeon’s Preferences)

The Stress:

You’re assigned to a case you’ve never seen before, and your mind goes blank. You don’t know the instruments, the sequence, or what the surgeon is going to ask for next.

How to Beat It:

Prepare whenever you can. Review procedure steps, surgeon preference cards, and instrument trays ahead of time. If you don’t know something, ask. Lean on experienced teammates—they’ve been in your shoes.

Introduce yourself to the surgeon. A simple, “Hi, I’m new and still learning this procedure, but I’ve reviewed your preferences and I’m ready to help,” can go a long way in building trust.

2. Fear of Contaminating the Field

The Stress:

Every step feels like a potential disaster. You’re hyper-aware of sterile zones, terrified you’ll brush against something you shouldn’t, and the pressure is real.

How to Beat It:

Take your time. Move slowly and deliberately. Eyes up. Hands close. The more cases you do, the more natural it becomes.

And if you do contaminate something? Own it immediately. Speak up. Fix it. There’s no shame in making a mistake—only in hiding it. Patient safety comes first, always.

3. Turnover Time Pressure

The Stress:

One case ends, and the countdown begins. Clean, set up, check the next patient—all at warp speed. It’s overwhelming.

How to Beat It:

Create a system. Break turnovers into a checklist: clean room → check case cart → verify patient and paperwork → timeout prep. Stick to the same rhythm each time, and soon it’ll become second nature.

Use quick moments to reset. Even 30 seconds between cases to take a breath can help clear your head and reduce stress.

4. Feeling Like You’re Slowing Everyone Down

The Stress:

You feel like the weakest link. Everyone else seems to know what to do, while you’re still figuring out where the bovie cord goes.

How to Beat It:

Give yourself grace. You’re learning. No one expects perfection. Ask questions, stay curious, and keep showing up.

Speed will come with time. Right now, focus on doing things right—not fast. Confidence is built one rep at a time.

5. Difficult Personalities and High Tension Moments

The Stress:

Let’s be honest—ORs can get heated. People are under pressure, and not everyone communicates with kindness. That can shake a new person’s confidence fast.

How to Beat It:

Stay professional and centered. Not every sharp tone is personal. People process stress differently, and you’re not responsible for someone else’s bad day.

But respect is non-negotiable. If someone crosses a line, address it respectfully—or loop in your charge nurse or educator. You deserve to learn in a supportive environment.

Find your people. There’s always someone in the OR who loves to teach. Stick close to those folks. They’ll build you up and help you grow.

Final Thoughts

Being new in the OR is a wild ride. You’re thrown into a world of precision, pressure, and pace—and expected to rise to the occasion. That’s a lot. But here’s the truth:

You’re doing better than you think.

Every time you show up, stay curious, and ask questions, you're building the kind of skills that can’t be taught in a textbook. You're becoming the kind of OR nurse or team member that patients—and surgeons—trust.

So when the stress creeps in, remember:
It’s temporary. It’s normal. And it’s worth it.

You’ve got this.