Breaks for OR RNs

That all "Depends"..... :)

Good question, 'cause sometimes, when you gotta go, you gotta go!!!

This question may seem trivial to some of you, but it is important to me. I am halfway done with Nursing School and am interested in pursuing the OR as my specialty upon graduating and passing NCLEX.

My concern is with longer surgical procedures. I have IBS and while I am normally fine with minimal breaks during an 8 hr period, there will be the occasional time when I may need to use the bathroom several times in one shift (I'm sure you've all been there - a little too much ice cream the night before, or too much Taco Bell, etc.) How would something like this be dealt with in the OR? Would they assign you to scheduled outpatient procedures they know will likely be shorter than emergency surgeries?

I am worried about this because I don't want my stupid digestive condition to be a dealbreaker in pursuing what I think would be a satisfying and fulfilling career for me.

Anything you all can share on this issue would be grealy appreciated! If there's one thing I've found working as a nursing assistant, nurses aren't shy when it comes to talking about bowel movements!:chuckle

Honestly, OR would not be ideal with this kind of problem. A lot of OR's are pretty much set, you get a 15 min morning break, a half hour lunch and a 15 min afternoon break. You are basically at the mercy of the break person, whenever they can get to you, that's when you get your break. If you have to go at the very moment, that person might be in another room and can't get to you right away. You cannot leave your assigned room at all, maybe just a min or 2 to get something but not longer than that. At any given moment they will need something, as a circulator you will be needed constantly. As a new grad also, you are not really entitled to choose what kind of assignment you're gonna get. You have to learn everything.

I've been in long cases where I had to go so bad, sometimes you just have to wait a little longer or the charge nurse will be so kind enough to come to your room for a few to relieve you. This is ok but I would think if you had to ask several times a day, it would create a problem. :)

I have GI issues similar to you(in my case, they're currently trying to figure out if it is Crohn's or IBS) and I get by. With these kinds of conditions, often you have flare-ups, but you have periods of remission too.

I have learned what my triggers are, foodwise. I do not eat these foods when I know I'll be working. Meds can be helpful too-I keep a bottle of OTC anti-diarrheal in my locker and there are prescription meds that help as well.

My employer at this time is not aware of my issues, but they have to be willing to work with you at least to some extent when you have a chronic condition. I knew a great nurse that had MS, and she still worked in the OR.

Maybe you could talk to your doctor about ways to get your condition to a manageable point? I feel that if you want the OR bad enough, you may be able to do it. Only you can make the decision what to tell your workplace-I will talk to my boss when and if it becomes so bad that I'm having trouble handling it.

Best of luck!!!

Our OR has more RNs than operating rooms and the extras are "Tweeners"-- they help out between rooms, pull the next day's cases, some of them scrub as needed and they also give breaks as necessary.

If a circulator needs to get out of the room urgently, they can call for a Tweener and usually get one fairly quickly.

This is one instance where the saying "Sh*t happens" is literally true!

Honestly, OR would not be ideal with this kind of problem. A lot of OR's are pretty much set, you get a 15 min morning break, a half hour lunch and a 15 min afternoon break. You are basically at the mercy of the break person, whenever they can get to you, that's when you get your break. If you have to go at the very moment, that person might be in another room and can't get to you right away. You cannot leave your assigned room at all, maybe just a min or 2 to get something but not longer than that. At any given moment they will need something, as a circulator you will be needed constantly. As a new grad also, you are not really entitled to choose what kind of assignment you're gonna get. You have to learn everything.

I've been in long cases where I had to go so bad, sometimes you just have to wait a little longer or the charge nurse will be so kind enough to come to your room for a few to relieve you. This is ok but I would think if you had to ask several times a day, it would create a problem. :)

This is mostly the way it is where I work. You're lucky to get a 15 minute rest break and most days but not all you do get your 1/2 hour lunch. As far as calling someone in during your case to let you go to the bathroom ? That's not going to happen where I work. Most of the time, I'll tell the MDA or CRNA that I'll be right back I have to go to the bathroom and they'll cover for me for a few minutes.