[weetziebat]

O.K. - I need some advice from those of you working in the OR. I am an RN in my 50's, and been at a desk job for the past six years. Starting to lose brain cells from boredom, and have been considering switching to work in the OR.
It seems to me that: the patient is asleep, you're not running to answer call lights non-stop, no family to argue with, you are caring for one patient at a time, etc.

So...what is the real story? Do docs still throw instruments?
I'd like to hear your side of what working in the OR is like and (in your opinion) do you think I would be making a serious mistake to consider working there. I know I am the only one who can make the ultimate decision, but I trust you guys to give me some advice. Thanks

[Winknme]

Let me start by saying that I love working in the OR. Most of the docs I've worked with have been decent - some have been high maintenance jerks - and I have seen 2 different docs throw instruments.

As far as not having to run to answer the call light - well that is true. BUT - for example, if the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair turns into an open repair, then you will be working fast to open the extra instrument/supplies that your scrub person needs. Of course a good OR nurse has those instruments/supplies handy, but you still have to get them to the sterile field. And you will be helping "turn over" the room between cases - and if you are doing fast cases, like eyes or small ortho, you will be moving quickly all day long. Like I said above, I love the OR, but do expect some physically demanding and challenging days. Good luck in your decision.

[weetziebat]

Winknme, thanks so much for the information. I don't often hear OR nurses complain about their work as much as nurses in other areas. You gave me some things to think about. I 've actually got a headache with all the dang thinking but sure appreciate your response.

[DNRme]

Please, don't go to the OR thinking it will be easier. It is just different.

More times than I can count I have gone 12 hours without a break, using a clean specimen cup to get a drink from the scrub sink!!!! You are still dealing with families, just not on a long term basis. You are not running to answer call lights, but for supplies. It has become so high tech over the last few years, you also have to be able to troubleshoot tons of equipment. And while the surgeon is only expected to be knowledgeable in his/her specialty, we need to be proficient in all areas.

Good luck with your decision

[weetziebat]

DNRme - thanks for your input as well. When I read the line "more times than I can count I have gone 12 hours without a break, using a clean specimen cup......" I thought "Oh dear, don't tell me s/he had to void in that"!!!!!! Phew..... really glad that all you needed the cup for was a drink
I don't think the OR would be easier, but know that there is NO WAY I would EVER work on med/surg again, and trying to find out if these old bones would find the OR as exhausting as working on the floor. Or if the OR is better being more focused on just one area, thus less physically exhausting.
Oh dear, decisions, decisions!

[cadillac05]

As the high tech era has evolved, not only is there troubleshooting, there is MUCH more equipment in rooms designed for the basics only. Consequently, while circulating, I have found I've spent a lot of time climbing over, crawling under and shimmying around an awful lot. Not as easy as those things used to be. Remeber when you could squat to empty a Foley bag and stand right back up? I do enjoy the work, though. Be prepared to work those brain cells, and be patient with yourself. There is lots to learn. It might be a good idea to 'shadow' in the OR for a few days. Good luck with your decision.

Older than dirt...

[weetziebat]

Cadillac - thanks for your note. I have a telephone interview with a hospital nurse recruiter Monday morning. If only there was a way to check out a job for a week to see how it goes! I really appreciate the advice to be patient with myself - seem to think I should be able to know it all in the first week. Then feel like I am the most stupid person in the world when I don't. And, yes, I certainly do remember squatting and then just popping back up. Nowadays it takes a hand on the floor to help push me up.

[Audreyfay]

I worked in the OR in my 20's. I really loved it. I suspect I would still be there if I hadn't ended up moving. I did go back to the OR for a short period of time, but found temporary happiness in the outpatient surgery department.

My humble opinion is: Are they going to teach you to scrub, or only circulate? If it is only circulating, I would go for it. If you have to scrub too, forget it. It means hours of standing, standing, standing. The ORs I worked in, there was a lot of teamwork and I really loved it. Sometimes I wish I were back there!

I recall one time working on a weekend, being the only RN there. Ten minutes after we got there, we got an emergency case with the slowest surgeon in town. I was in and out of that OR room, running for supplies, etc, the entire rest of the shift! I remember rushing past a hopper, thinking, "...if I just pulled my pants down here, I could survive. No one would see." In the end I didn't and just survived. Glad I wasn't on a diuretic! Good luck on your decision!

[cadillac05]

When you interview, you might ask if the hospital allows visiting the department and observing some actual cases. That gives you the opportunity to get a feel for what is required physically & intellectually as well as how well the staff works together & overall satisfaction. Usually, one day is all it takes to figure that out. or or , if you get my drift. Again, don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by what you may not know. What you do know is what you build on in whatever area of nursing that you choose.
AudreyFay makes a good point regarding scrubbing. However, I've enjoyed the option of doing so. Standing as scrub or running as circulator...? Both are demanding.
Let us know how the interview goes.

[weetziebat]

AudreyFay and Cadillac - thanks so much for your input. The part about scrub nurses standing all shift is a good point. And, luckily, I don't take any diuretics
As far as the interview goes - the recruiter called and said there was "an emergency" at the hospital and they'd get back to me. End of story If I ever get the chance, will ask about "shadowing" for a day. Good idea.
Seems a bit fishy to me that the hospitals are all crying for O.R. nurses, but no one wants to train. How do they get the experience??? And just how badly do they really need nurses anyway? Instead they want med/surg nurses. No thanks! I know why theres a shortage there