Your stress level at work?

RNBelle · Jan 11, 2009 11:23 PM

I have been a nurse for a year and a half now. Started out doing post-partum, moved and started L&D at a new hospital. I am not really liking L&D' and the way our unit runs I doubt they will let me just do PP. So I am thinking about a change. L&D to me has a stress level of 10/10 every day I go in. I seem to feel I need a more controlled environment and people walking in with babies hanging out is not my idea of fun. I know ALL areas of nursing are stressful and there is always a learning curve. How stressful is it in the OR? The hospital where I am at, the OR crew seems to get along really well and the doctor's are pretty nice for the most part.

MamaCheese · Jan 12, 2009, 06:44 AM

The OR was a 10/10 for at least a year. It has a huge lurning curve. We have many surgical services where I work so there are days when I end up in a service I have not circulated for quite some time. Those days can easily turn into a 8/10 on the stress scale. We have a great team of people where I work and we do manage to have an awful lot of fun at work on most days. I'd give most days a 3/10 on the stress scale. Good luck with your decision.

mactheknife · Jan 12, 2009, 09:49 PM

I have been in OR for 23 years and at first it is stressful in that you are almost learning a new culture, how ever no oter discipline in nursing has as much team work as the OR. that is if you work with truely dedicated OR personel. My advice is give it a try but don't make a decision as to wether you want to stay for at least 6-8 months.I agree with Mamacheese, she has described Or in a nutshell.Take the plunge and give it a go.

RNBelle · Jan 12, 2009, 10:29 PM

Thanks for the info! I work in a small rural hospital so we do not perform an extrodinary amount of special surgies. Just mostly c/s, lap chole, and knee replacements to name a few of the basics.