NICU RN to Peds OR

[BookishNurse]

Hi everyone! I’ve been a NICU nurse going on 7 years now and while I still enjoy it, it doesn’t hold the same appeal as it did when I first started. It has started to feel a bit monotonous and my unit has recently stopped staffing pediatric surgeons so all of our surgical or possible surgical cases are transferred out. This means our most critical kids are transferred out and OBs aren’t recommending high risk moms to deliver at our hospital. This has been devastating to me because I love taking care of the sickest babies because I thrive in critical scenarios. I’ve been recently thinking about leaving the hospital but I’m not sure if I want to transfer to another NICU or change specialties altogether.

When I first started nursing school, and throughout most of nursing school, pediatric OR and NICU were always my two top choices. It just so happened I did my senior year leadership in a NICU and loved it so I went that route. Now I’m considering switching to the pediatric OR. My city (Chicago) has an amazing Children’s Hospital and there are currently openings in the OR. I’ve been hesitant to apply because despite reading multiple articles and discussion forums I’m nervous. From these articles, I’ve heard the OR is rough, the doctors are demanding and it requires learning a whole new system. I’m definitely not afraid of a challenge, LOVE learning new things, do great in high intensity situations and I’m beyond organized all of which I think would be great in an OR nurse. But how rough are the surgeons? Especially in the pediatric specialities? All the surgeries I’ve attended as a NICU nurse the surgeons have been beyond nice. They let me watch the surgeries, explain what they are doing (if able), and answer all my questions. Is this not the norm? Any advice or helpful information would be SUPER appreciated!! Thank you!!

[PDXOR, MSN, RN]

I have never worked in an OR solely for pediatric patients but in general I have worked with really kind surgeons and I've worked with a few unkind surgeons. I wouldn't let your fear of the surgeons stop you from trying out the OR! You'll learn how to handle all of their personalities. The OR is a whole new beast and you'll feel like a new grad all over again. You'll definitely run into high intensity situations and will constantly be learning new things.  I think it is great that you have already seen a few surgeries! It gives you a slight taste of what to except as a circulator in the OR. 

[ajnurse2b6]

I don't work in the OR but you should apply& learn more in the interview! It sounds like you have many qualities, including your NICU experience, that would make you a fantastic peds OR nurse. Good luck!