Anyone ever feel bored?

[hs2005]

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??

[nurse1285]

Totally understand and agree.  I used to do long OR cases like 5-6 hr, just sitting on the metal stool wrapped up in blankets.  Definitely felt like a gopher. Did it for 8 years then switched out. 

[Abby Suh]

kellygurl64 said:

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...

Unfortunately I still end up bored often. It's probably a fault in me, but I prepare every morning by coming in early, so I already got stuff lined up (aside from meds) for all day or the day before if we finished early. Could make a list to stock but never could do it as we were not allowed to leave the room like that. Occasionally had people who were out and you could pass the list through the cabinets and they'd bring it back. I also chart insanely fast, would look up the next one, and then yes I would stand near the field and watch, talk to the surgeon/team, reps, etc. but I also cannot stand still so I still would get extremely fidgety and bored especially if the surgeon is a no talking type (have one of those now... no music, no talking, dead silence, and watching him work like this is quite painful tbh). Anterior hip replacements are my favorite for a reason, because you get to work the Hana bed. 
 

I have gotten to learn to scrub and second assist which definitely helps, but man, some spine and foot and ankle you exchange standing and watching the field to standing behind or next to the surgeon holding a wire driver empty or karrison, or holding a retractor. Totals are nice because they're extremely fast paced usually.