From OR to...

[krazy_coconuts]

Hello! I am very intrigued with the idea of working in the OR and will definately do it sometime in my career. So here's the question...for any of you that have started out in the OR as a new grad then moved to another area, did you find it to be a hard transition? You know, not doing the whole "one year of med-surg" thing?

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

To be honest, I know of very few people who, once they were in the OR, wanted to go back to the floor. I know of one nurse who wanted to try ER and she got hired down there. I myself toyed with an offer I had to cross train in the ICU. Not because I hate the OR(I love it actually)but because someday I might consider CRNA school. I decided to stay put in the OR. I don't think it's hard to switch at all-most places are willing to retrain or cross train.

[krazy_coconuts]

I've actually heard the same thing: Once you go OR you never go back.

[ewattsjt]

The only person I have ever heard of leaving was a girl who went back to ICU. She loved it there and could never get enough. Other than that; it seems to be the other way around. It seems like once they come to the OR they never go back.

[ORSmurf]

I've worked in the OR for about 10 years - 8 years as an LVN/Scrub, then 2 years as an RN/Circulator. I love the OR, but was feeling restless and in need of a change. I left the hospital OR for an outpatient OR job to escape the call (I HATED being on call). I still felt the need for more of change, and 2 months ago I took a job back at the hospital in an outpatient cancer center. I administer chemotherapy (I had to take a class, of course), work 10 hour shifts, no nights, no weekends or holidays and no call. The heaviest thing I carry is an IV bag. In the OR, there were days I felt beat up by the end of the day from carrying and moving heavy equipment, etc.. It was a very difficult transition for me, but I'm glad I stuck it out because I love it now. Some days I miss the OR very much and wonder if I've made the right choice. Most days I'm really happy with the decision - I love the patients and was lucky to find a very supportive group of people to work with.