Already felt burnout 6 months in the OR

Specialties Operating Room

Published

So, I'm almost at the 2 year mark of working in the OR. I did a 6 month internship and was very anxious about taking call and being put by myself in cases. Of course, that is the best way to learn. Soon after my internship, I already started feeling jaded with the OR and as time went along, I was pretty sure I was experiencing burnout. I would dread going to work and dragging my feet because I knew that I would have to stay overtime. It was inevitable at this hospital.

Fast forward to present time, I know for sure I'm going to be leaving. I swore that once I reach my breaking point, that that was going to be the time for me to put in my notice. Sadly enough, the incident that happened was not the first time but it infuriated me this time around. What happened was that I had to work 20 hours in one day with one lunch break and left when second shift was leaving in SPD at 0200. My shift starts at 0630. I didn't get dinner or a bathroom break. I know this is hospital specific and not all ORs are like this. So I'm thinking maybe travel nursing in the OR would be a nice change for me.

I have so many things going through my head right now - are ORs generally like this where you get treated like a dumb child by surgeons and residents? Where equipment is always being moved and you have to do constant hunting and gathering that wastes 15 minutes that you can't afford? How fast can turnover be with just orderlies helping to clean the room? Has this situation happened to anyone else? And as for travel nursing, do I have enough experience to go out on my own? Has anyone else done travel nursing in the OR? If so, what is their experience? I'd love to pick a few brains here!

Specializes in ICU.

Go to the travel section and PM Ned.

Buyer beware, BSN

1,137 Posts

Specializes in GENERAL.

Yes, OR nursing is also known as the red-headed step-child nursing sub-specialty.

So when you figure you've paid your dues long enough for some long-forgotten transgression in another life, you'll move on and wonder why you allowed yourself to be a human punching bag to the surgeons and hospital for so DAMN long.

On that day you will also get on your knees and rightfully praise the almighty for your liberation.

Now go get some lunch and hit the bathroom already.

Serenity, have you considered ambulatory surgery (aka same day surgery units)? The schedule would be more predictable, usually no weekends and more of a 9-5 type of job. Since you have 2 years of experience in the OR, getting an ambulatory surgery nursing job shouldn't be difficult.

ValGirlRN

6 Posts

Specializes in Emergency.

I just spent two years at an ambulatory surgery center and yes it is much better, when referring to maybe the hours worked and no call or weekends. However, there were some challenges... the doctors still treat you like a punching bag. (Not all, but most). There is no second team or shift- so if your center allows late add ons- sometimes you still work 10-15 hours with little breaks. I hate to say but the hunt for equipment is constant. I am still prn there. Cause I love the coworkers and the work itself... but I've moved on to something else that works better for my family. Good luck!

kahqgc

20 Posts

I'm considering traveling too, but I'm a year and a half in. Most travel assignments require 2 years so tha'ts a good option. I'd say when choosing where to work, the bigger the hospital the better the resources!

Specializes in OR.

I have been in the OR for 15 years, 3 as a tech, 11 as a nurse and 1 year of unemployment due to physical and mental burnout. It truly is the red-headed stepchild of specialty nursing. If you are in a well run place, it is a blast and an awesome place to see and participate in some amazing things. In a badly run place, not so much. I have spent the last few years in horrible, mismanaged, outright abusive places. I will point out that I am more crusty old bat than young special snowflake. I can dish it out and take it, but sadly, in my personal experience, a line has been crossed and there is no going back. After a BSN, a CNOR and a background in every specialty except Open Heart, I am now leaving and going to a General Surgical Floor. I see it as a challenge. The transition may be a shock, but it will be made up for in that I can have a life outside of work, I will have a fairly predictable schedule and I may even get to pee during my 12 hour shift. I will know when i'm coming in and know when i'm going home. i will leave the call and stay-lates to the young folks.

The OR is full of very strong personalities and can be very political. It is a sink or swim kind of environment. Sinking and moving on, is not by any means a bad thing. I have some great memories and am grateful for my experience but it's time for me to move on. This crusty old bat has been driven away from what I truly used to love.

SQueenRN, BSN

115 Posts

Specializes in Operating Room.

as someone who worked on a surgical PCU for 8 years, sometimes you won't get to pee for 12 hours. you can also stay late to chart or if **** hits the fan at the end of your shift.

Specializes in OR.

very true, but I'm not likely to be there for 20 hrs straight and there's no call.....that's enough of a trade-off for me.

+ Add a Comment