Hospital OR to ASC

ortess1971 · Oct 11, 2006

I am considering leaving the hospital OR for a job at a free standing surgery center. I'm tired of the call mostly and was just wondering if anyone out there had made such a transition and if they've been happy with the decision. I'm a little afraid to make the change because I'm in such a major comfort zone where I am. I've worked at this hospital for almost 12 years now. Any input is much appreciated!
Christine

Wow, those jobs can be hard to come by-around here, you usually have to wait until someone retires to get a job in a surgery center. The upside is no call, holidays and weekends. The downside is the fast turnover and the less dramatic cases, which can be boring. Most people are happy there though-I worked per diem in one as my first OR job out of tech school and did very well there.

ORSmurf · Oct 12, 2006

Hi ortess,

Thanks so much for the input. Yes - I know how hard it is to get into a surgery center. I guess that's why I'm willing to give up my benefits/security and take a chance. I'm going per diem (scheduled 2-3 days a week) and will get on my husbands insurance. I'm fairly sure it's going to work into a full time position in the future. It's a newer center and is still growing. I'm so excited to never have to be on call again (after taking call for the last 12 years... wow, I can't wait).

I'm glad to hear you liked it. Thanks again for your input!

Christine

Wow, those jobs can be hard to come by-around here, you usually have to wait until someone retires to get a job in a surgery center. The upside is no call, holidays and weekends. The downside is the fast turnover and the less dramatic cases, which can be boring. Most people are happy there though-I worked per diem in one as my first OR job out of tech school and did very well there.

lynswim · Oct 14, 2006

I have worked in an ASC (versus in-pt OR) and absolutely LOVED it. Would still be working there if we hadn't moved away!

Lyn

ORSmurf · Oct 18, 2006

I have worked in an ASC (versus in-pt OR) and absolutely LOVED it. Would still be working there if we hadn't moved away!
Lyn

Hi Lyn,

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I appreciate the input and am glad to hear that you loved it!

I gave notice at the hospital and start at the surgery center in a few weeks.

Christine

Becca_RN · Oct 24, 2006

Just started at a ASC. Where would I find info on industry standards, policies, etc. I am astounded at how fast pts are being discharged home. Any direction would be helpful?

Rezidentura · Oct 26, 2006

I just left a job as a clinical coordinator of ortho for a startup ASC. Although I lost some pay, it's the best decision I've ever made.

The ups: No call weekend or holiday; Close knit group, great manager, free parking (paid 578.00 a year at the hospital) and it's a quicker drive

The Downs: since we're a startup, we had to meet a case quota that required us working a lot of overtime; lack of educated staff means I have to do a lot of ortho specific work (ordering, education, difficult cases). Lack of extra equipment means no easy fixes for problems. Also I workin MIS suites and it's tech heavy unfortunetly I"m the only nurse that is good at this so I'm in high demand.