Anyone ever feel bored?

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does anyone ever feel bored in working in the OR? Sometimes I feel like once the case is set up and rolling I am just on the sidelines doing my charting. Am I the only one??

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Occasionally, but I say take advantage of the down time while you can- it can be replaced by crazy fast cases (the true "all I need is a hemostat and a bovie), cases with specimens out the yin yang that need run to the frozen section room/ mammo/ lab/ micro/ whatever else, codes on patients who are really sick, codes on patients who are young and healthy, you name it, it can probably happen.

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Specializes in OR.

NEVER! Once case gets going, there is still so much to do! Charting, yes, but there is so much more: re-review card to be sure everything is there-and update it if needed; get dressings ready. Help scrub as needed. Think about next case-mentally prepare and or make a few written notes if necessary. Re-review chart-be sure you didn't miss anything to give report. Plan for end of case..do I need a bed, or anything special? Clean up room. Stock or get a list to stock together (if your facility allows/does this). Assist/anticipate anesthetic needs. Most important: PAY ATTENTION TO THE FIELD AND THE CASE! So many circulators forget that this is their job. I am probably forgetting some things, too. When I was a kid, I told my mom I was "bored". Cleaned windows and screens the rest of that summer...

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NEVER! Once case gets going, there is still so much to do! Charting, yes, but there is so much more: re-review card to be sure everything is there-and update it if needed; get dressings ready. Help scrub as needed. Think about next case-mentally prepare and or make a few written notes if necessary. Re-review chart-be sure you didn't miss anything to give report. Plan for end of case..do I need a bed, or anything special? Clean up room. Stock or get a list to stock together (if your facility allows/does this). Assist/anticipate anesthetic needs. Most important: PAY ATTENTION TO THE FIELD AND THE CASE! So many circulators forget that this is their job. I am probably forgetting some things, too. When I was a kid, I told my mom I was "bored". Cleaned windows and screens the rest of that summer...

I thought I posted a reply to this thread...strange. Anyway, regarding this part above, I can't tell you how many times I've seen circulators who face their back to the field and zone out during the surgery, not paying attention. I cringe when I hear the doctor asking for something more than once because they aren't paying attention. I understand this is a great time to get the charting done, I do this as well, but it's so important to remember to pay attention to what is going on. Good point.

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Specializes in Sleep medicine,Floor nursing, OR, Trauma.

Circulating, in my world, is a lot like sex:

If you're bored....you're doing it wrong.

::ahem::

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Specializes in EMT, ER, Homehealth, OR.

Being bored at times happens in all areas of nursing from time to time even if you are busy.

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I don't feel bored. I usually have 8 cases a day working w/ pediatrics, so that keeps me VERY busy.

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Specializes in Peri-op.

I do feel bored. Thats why I m switching fields now. I m tired of being medical waitress. I want skills and critical thinking in my job

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Specializes in ICU, Trauma, CCT,Emergency, Flight, OR Nursing.

Yes, I do sometimes feel bored when I circulate long (8-14hrs) cases , but that is why I switch it up scrubbing on cases during the week ( usually scrub 1-2 shifts and circulate 1 shift). I definitely find that I have to focus alot more when scrubbing , even in the long cases . Doing both roles keeps the work interesting and keeps me on my toes. It also helps when one is teaching / precepting new nurses and surgical techs as it prompts one to be on on top of the latest guidelines, practice standards and to know your policies well . Having worked in many different specialties in nursing in 32yrs, I have to admit though , that every specialty will have its boring moments where the shift and work drags. Then other times, the shift flies by and you are on the go, critically thinking , problem solving and intervening the whole time. 

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Specializes in Trauma hospital/Acute Care/Ambulatory.
aniretake said:

I do feel bored. Thats why I m switching fields now. I m tired of being medical waitress. I want skills and critical thinking in my job

Hi aniretake, 

I have those moments as well. It means that you have improved so much and possibly achieved the maximum growth in the current position. I think you should feel proud of yourself. I went back to school and received a master degree after having similar feelings as you do. I have also expended my specialty field to a related specialty after having those similar moments. I accepted a job promotion and I am in a new role now. I feel refreshed, mentally challenged, and enjoy seeing myself grow at job everyday. I think it's the beauty in nursing to be able to grow in different roles. I hope that you feel encouraged and empower to make any changes that you think it will be better than what you have now.

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Specializes in Peri-op.
QqGgKk said:

Hi aniretake, 

I have those moments as well. It means that you have improved so much and possibly achieved the maximum growth in the current position. I think you should feel proud of yourself. I went back to school and received a master degree ....

Thanks, I already have Masters degree. Changing specialties now :)

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Specializes in Trauma hospital/Acute Care/Ambulatory.
aniretake said:

Thanks, I already have Masters degree. Changing specialties now 🙂

You can do it ! Hope that you can feel more motivated, satisfied, and rewarded with what you are doing soon 🙂

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