1. The concept of culture shock can be applied to nurses who enter specialized areas of health care, where professionals with unique patterns of behavior and thinking are encountered. 2. The phenomena of communication, space, social organization, time, and environmental control can be used in assessing the OR environment and in easing the transition of new nurses. 3. Staff orientation periods need to include not only the transmission of technical information but also an understanding of the adjustments that must be made in terms of culture shock.