[KES]

I am a nursing student and am considering working in the OR someday. I have just a few questions that I would REALLY appreciate if some of you OR nurses could answer. What do you love about the OR? Does the OR accept new grads? How long is a typical orientation? What do you not like about the OR? How many surgeries do you do a day? Having some of these questions answered would really help me. Thanks!

[MelissaRN]

I've been doing this a little over a year and I really enjoy my work hours which are three 12 hour shifts, only one weekend every 5 weeks and not as much holiday work.

I worked the floor for over a year and it was a miserable time. Patient care was a joke and there was never enough time to get it all done, plus the hours sucked.

As an OR nurse you're part of a team. Everyone jumps in and does their part and I never feel like I'm alone struggling. There's always a good resource person that can help you out if you get in trouble. The anesthesia team is awesome and we have some really great scrubs. The surgeons can be jerks but they are like dogs, don't show them fear. I have found that ignoring the snarky remarks and going about my business makes them back off more than being confrontational.

Truly I think the OR is one place where MOST people are there because they want to be and generally enjoy their jobs which makes for a nice environment. Yes ego's do get the best of some, but you get that everywhere.

Ask questions, help out your team and that includes cleaning the rooms and mopping floors when you have time and everyone will go out of their way to help you.

[Sarah, RNBScN]

M-F 7 - 3p.m.

Call once every 6 wks. 2:30 - 10:30 p.m. (on call until 07:00).


Small hospital. Small group.

[SFCardiacRN]

The OR is technically fascinating. One patient at a time. No nights or weekends. Call one holiday a year. Every day is different. My skills are appreciated. None of the above was true in med-surg.

[moliuchick]

Originally Posted by SFCardiacRN

The OR is technically fascinating. One patient at a time. No nights or weekends. Call one holiday a year. Every day is different. My skills are appreciated. None of the above was true in med-surg.

Hi there, I am just wondering how often do you work with mean doctors? I am really concern about being yelled at because English is not my first language and I have already been yelled at by 2 docs on the med/surg floor. I know my problem is I am not confident enough and sometimes, I get intimidated by those crazy docs.
PS. I will be transferring to the OR in Jan.
Thanks.

[SFCardiacRN]

The meanest SOB's in the hospital are surgeons...bar none. Surgery seems to attract these egoistic type "A" personalities. I still love OR & we only have a couple of jerks. Plus I am confident in my skills and have "thickened skin".