Does anyone else feel like they're not in charge

springchick1, ADN, RN · Oct 30, 2015

If we are in charge of our room, then why are people always telling us what to do? Why when we made suggestions, it feels stupid and that no one is really listening or even cares?

Who are the people telling you what to do? Anesthesia? The surgeon? The scrub? How long have you been working in the OR? We have a few very strong personalities in the OR but the majority of our people work well as a team.

citylights89, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2015

Who are the people telling you what to do? Anesthesia? The surgeon? The scrub? How long have you been working in the OR? We have a few very strong personalities in the OR but the majority of our people work well as a team.

Mostly anesthesia. They can never do anything for themselves. I get that they have a lot on their plate, but when they are 4-5 of them screwing around at the head of the bed and only one of me, why can't one of them pick up the phone or some other mundane task anyone can do? I've been in the OR close to 3 yrs now. I feel like the teamwork only goes one way- from nurse to everyone else. We are expected to help out but I have to ask others to help. It's not automatic for them.

target98765 · Nov 8, 2015

I feel you. The incident that drove it home for me was a day I had to run out to the core and grab something and I walk back into the OR to anesthesia staff standing there looking at the door I just walked through (mind you there were three anesthesia staff persons) as soon as I entered they asked me for the arm boards which were under the bed (*sigh*), then they asked me to put them on the bed...Really????

citylights89, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2015

I feel you. The incident that drove it home for me was a day I had to run out to the core and grab something and I walk back into the OR to anesthesia staff standing there looking at the door I just walked through (mind you there were three anesthesia staff persons) as soon as I entered they asked me for the arm boards which were under the bed (*sigh*), then they asked me to put them on the bed...Really????

Now that's just lazy of them. I didn't know it could get that bad. In fact, one of my co-workers told me that they heard one of our anesthesiologists (who I actually respected) tell a resident that the OR nurses were their nurses, also. What does that even mean?

target98765 · Nov 9, 2015

Now that's just lazy of them. I didn't know it could get that bad. In fact, one of my co-workers told me that they heard one of our anesthesiologists (who I actually respected) tell a resident that the OR nurses were their nurses, also. What does that even mean?

What that anesthesiologist means is that you are there to run around for them and take care of their needs. I am very friendly with a few of the CRNA's and it is very surprising to me how much the anesthesia department talks trash about the nurses in my OR; even if there are 3 of them and you are busy doing other things they think nothing of interrupting you; it amazes me. Example; the surgeon was standing right next to me at the computer looking at the procedure codes and telling me corecctions or additions of codes and the anesthesiologist is saying my name sharply and loudly; turns out she needed a plastic bag. This is only the tip of the iceberg folks. I was in a case I had to go under the drapes every hour to check pedal pulses, and this required going under the table. The minute I got on my knees the scrub tech is telling me she needs stuff...really??? I mean take a look around, are you constantly interupted? Is there an under lying disrespect? I think if you look deep enough you will see they aren't very respectful, and they don't value you beyond a gofer. I even think the scrub techs are disrespectful, I had one sit and tell me how much another nurse sucked; I mean, really, you think you know what my job entails? I had one ask me why the hell I was looking at the computer record at the beginning of the day before the patient was even in the OR...hello, these people were checking people out at Walmart a year ago!!! Rant over....

citylights89, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2015

Sometimes I have good days, but there are a lot of bad days when I feel a modicum of disrespect. And what is up with people asking for things all at the same time? If I'm feeling feisty that day, I let them know that they basically need to take a number.

acerbia · Dec 10, 2015

I feel like this every single day. I am new to the OR, so maybe that has something to do with it, but a lot of people just ignore me or respond rudely. People know I'm new, and I get some pretty harsh treatment as a result. I hate it. My OR is the only one I know of where people are regularly treated like garbage, no matter their role, unless you're a surgeon and bring big bucks to the hospital. Ethics? Nope. Professionalism? Nope. Only a few "good" people exist, and I feel like my place of employment is toxic. I want to go elsewhere. It's pretty sad that I have less than a year experience, and already I feel burnt out and fed up. But I digress.

To your point, I don't think there's anything we can or cannot do to be respected. People are going to feel however they do regardless. All you can do is give it your best every day, advocate for your patient, and be yourself.

DNRme · Dec 13, 2015

It must be accepted where you work. It would NEVER fly at my hospital. I work in a trauma center and we are all there for the patient (with rare exception). If I leave the room, they will give a suture and let me know. If they have their hands full, I will answer their pager. You, along with your nursing management, need to take control of the situation. I would have walked back into the room and handed the anesthesia person one armboard and put the other on myself. You cannot be a doormat if you don't lay down.