Is it like this everywhere?

[carluvscats]

I am pretty new to the OR, about 5 months in so far. I'm not 100% sure if I'm a perfect fit, but I want to give it more time for learning and to see if it's something I want to do long-term. :)

That said, I am curious as to what it's like in other OR's around the country. Where I work, it seems like we are always short-staffed and that most days we work at a break neck speed. Now, I'm a hard worker and I like hard work. I like job security. :) But after a few days in a row of no breaks (we *usually* get lunches), no time to review the next case or to prepare mentally, getting switched around, etc. I get verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry tired and discouraged. I feel like a machine sometimes; like it's all about fast turn-over and squeezing in as many add-ons as the shift can possibly stand.

I was wondering if it's like this everywhere.

[RogueRN]

It's not like that everywhere, but if sure feels like it's starting to become that way. Hang in there!

[SandraCVRN]

I'd say it comes and goes, after a while it might not seem as hectic.

Breaks, that's another story. They has to be someone available to give a break and the people taking a break need to only take the allotted time. I tend to be one of the few giving breaks and lunches, if your break time is supposed to be 15 minutes and everyone takes 25, that cuts down on the number of breaks I can give. Same with lunch, when people take an extra 15 minutes, by the 3 lunch relief I could have givin someone else a lunch break.

Then of course in the OR many times you can't just leave when your relief comes in, there is report, counting at times, etc.

Turnover, turnover, turnover that's the name of the game......

Good luck

[solneeshka, BSN, RN]

Try ambulatory surgery. Lower acuity, fewer add-ons.

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

We ALWAYS get our 30 min lunch break and 15 min break, free of all responsibilities. Our charge is good at making sure that happens. I can't remember having missed a break.

[carluvscats]

I think it's just chaos where I work and I have to deal with it best I can.

[orkwb]

I agree that it is not always as you describe. The OR can be a very busy, high pressure place. It will get easier for you but it takes time to figure out what must happen now and what can wait. Be patient with yourself. If, however, the situation does not improve in a couple of months I'd advise having a talk with a nurse manager or charge nurse. A tired, over-worked nurse is unsafe.

[carluvscats]

Thanks orkwb. I tend to be my own worst critic and just feel right now I'm doing all I can to keep my head above water.

[GMSinCA]

I recently got hired at an outpatient surgery center, and I was asking myself the same question. I am rushed 95% of my day, and actually feel like I am not giving my patient the best care I need to. The surgeons have office hours too, so they are hurry hurry hurry.