CVOR First Assist Needing Surgery

[justine_ferren_cnor_crnfa, RN]

Have any of the O.R. nurses out there been operated on by their colleagues (or perhaps the very team they work with)? As a Marfan's patient, I am scheduled for a complex Bentall redo for an aortic arch aneurysm - high-risk and will require a long period on DHCA. Meeting with the team I work on has been difficult as they have really put up an emotional barrier - I know it's for the best but was wondering if anybody else has dealt with this as a provider / patient.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I've been on the provider side a few times:

Someone who took the day off for a colonoscopy and ended up being perfed, came to the OR urgently for bowel resection

Someone who came into the ER with a perirectal abscess who was absolutely mortified at having to be exposed to her coworkers

A fellow nurse who required cardiac surgery (elective)

Even though all 3 went well, they were more stressful than the others that didn't, just because of knowing them. That emotional barrier? Trust me, it's only on the outside.

I've been on the patient side once, when I needed an EGD (endo fell under surgical services, so while it wasn't the same exact team, we did all know each other and have joint staff meetings). I picked my anesthesia provider, and the manager picked the team. It was awkward, but not as awkward as if it were the people I worked with in the same room every day. And thank goodness it was the top and not the bottom that the camera went in!

[justine_ferren_cnor_crnfa, RN]

20 hours ago, Rose_Queen said:

I've been on the provider side a few times:

Someone who took the day off for a colonoscopy and ended up being perfed, came to the OR urgently for bowel resection

Someone who came into the ER with a perirectal abscess who was absolutely mortified at having to be exposed to her coworkers

A fellow nurse who required cardiac surgery (elective)

Even though all 3 went well, they were more stressful than the others that didn't, just because of knowing them. That emotional barrier? Trust me, it's only on the outside.

I've been on the patient side once, when I needed an EGD (endo fell under surgical services, so while it wasn't the same exact team, we did all know each other and have joint staff meetings). I picked my anesthesia provider, and the manager picked the team. It was awkward, but not as awkward as if it were the people I worked with in the same room every day. And thank goodness it was the top and not the bottom that the camera went in!

Thank you, Rose. You are exactly right. I've first assisted on CABGs for 3 of our O.R. nurses and while we tried to show that emotional barrier to preserve objectivity, there is no question that it was not just another case for the team. Unfortunately we lost one on the table - couldn't wean her off bypass. It was awful.

I had a consult with the team today in-advance of my surgery next Friday and it was definitely hard and I could see the emotional impact on them even if they were not showing it.

It's a high-risk surgery scheduled for 12 - 14 hours, but I am confident that I am in the best of hands.