Unrealistic expectations: Theirs or Mine?

Specialties Ambulatory

Published

I am a new employee at an office-based surgery center that I thought was my dream job, but it is starting to feel like more of a nightmare.

I had no breaking in period, but the surgeon is already upset because I didn't tell the anesthesiologist the contents of her cart. This anesthesiologist has been working there quite a while, and I think she should know where stuff is so patients don't die and stuff. Insert eye roll.

I am supposed to train the fresh-out-of-school LVN, but not waste time letting her do it with actual patients. How she is supposed to learn to start IVs, I'm not sure. It's not exactly a see one, do one, kind of thing.

I am also responsible for all OR supply ordering, but not spending very much money, but never running out of stuff. And ordering stuff for hospitals. And medical records, but I don't actually get access to the program for them except for a short period each week.

Oh yeah. And surgeries. I almost forgot that I am a circulator.

Is this normal for ambulatory settings? I've done ASCs, but it was nothing like this.

Forgot to mention that I am the only RN. So 8 hour surgery? Don't drink fluids that day unless I want to cath myself.

It is not your job to do their job. How else is that woman supposed to learn, how stupid!

Sounds like that is way too much for one person if you have surgeries everyday. Maybe discuss this with surgeons. Especially when you point out that you cannot train their new nurse correctly unless you have more time.

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