[NewEnglandRN]

Today was my rotation through the OR. I have been in the OR before during Rad Tech school and did portables/ C-Arm in the OR many, many times during my career. Imagine my horror when I was watching the prodecure, standing at the head of the table on a stool (I'm short!) and I started to feel really light-headed. I was hoping it would pass, but I just knew it was not good!

I got down off the stool and the wonderful RNs knew I was going down. Fortunately, they got to me before I hit the floor!

I was so embarrassed. It had NOTHING to do with the procedure, which was fascinating. I ate before I went, so I don't know what went wrong. I loved everything about the OR, except the smell from the mask!

I did end up going back in finish the procedure and I stayed for another one, but I was SO humiliated!

Does this mean I have no chance of a future in the OR???

[jenrninmi]

Originally Posted by MichelleinMA

Today was my rotation through the OR. I have been in the OR before during Rad Tech school and did portables/ C-Arm in the OR many, many times during my career. Imagine my horror when I was watching the prodecure, standing at the head of the table on a stool (I'm short!) and I started to feel really light-headed. I was hoping it would pass, but I just knew it was not good!

I got down off the stool and the wonderful RNs knew I was going down. Fortunately, they got to me before I hit the floor!

I was so embarrassed. It had NOTHING to do with the procedure, which was fascinating. I ate before I went, so I don't know what went wrong. I loved everything about the OR, except the smell from the mask!

I did end up going back in finish the procedure and I stayed for another one, but I was SO humiliated!

Does this mean I have no chance of a future in the OR???

I've heard it can even happen to experienced nurses. I'm sure you'll be fine next time.

[Marie_LPN, RN]

No, it means to eat something with protein before you go in there, and don't lock your knees. And if you're going to go "down" tell someone.

[enfermeraSG]

Of course you still have a chance in the OR. I have worked in the OR for several years as a tech, and have seen many people go down. You say that you ate beforehand - so that rules that out (as long as it was something substantial, not just a donut!) It could have been a combination of the heat and your nerves. Not that the procedure grossed you out, but you were probably pretty hyped up to be there and watch, maybe more nerves than you realize. That will go away, so don't worry and always make sure to shift your weight on your feet and don't lock knees! SG

[stbernardclub]

you did say you went back in

[mariedoreen]

Okay I'll bite, why don't you lock your knees?

[RedSox33RN]

Originally Posted by mariedoreen

Okay I'll bite, why don't you lock your knees?

It prevents blood from returning from the legs.

Sorry, Michelle! And like everyone else says, don't worry about it! Being able to go back in shows that you have MORE than what it takes to be in the OR.

[danu3]

One of my uncle was chief of surgeon in one of the HK hospital long time ago. According to my mom, the first few times he was in surgery, he actually fainted! Actually his jaw locked first and then he fainted.

Maybe that is why he became chief of surgery so they can get him out of the way.

Actually I at one point was debating whether I should go into nursing or not (because I am worring about giving injection) and my brothers encouraged me by reminding me about my uncle.

-Dan

[akcarmean]

going bACk in showed that it was a freak thing and that you can handle yourself in the or. it's exciting to see for first time, my suggestions were as before don't lock knees, move back and forth to keep circulation moving throught legs not much just in same place, eat high protein, and relax and enjoy the procedure and be amazed at what they can do now a days. Good luck

[HappyNurse2005]

on our OR observation, on the instruction sheet we were given (where to go, etc) it specifically mentioned what to do if you thought you'd pass out. so, pretty common, i'd imagine.
rose