OK-- why do I want OR?

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Hi all-- I'll be a new grad in May. So far, I have NOT been thrilled with floor nursing. I simply don't care for trying to keep track of 800 meds for 2 or 3 patients (which I know would be worse in the "real" nursing world), running around answering call bells, charting tons of data on totally illogically designed pages in 2 separate charts, etc. In addition to the regular class clinicals, I'm doing a 48 hr (6 Fridays) clinical at a local bone/joint outpatient surgical center and am really enjoying it. I have an app. in at a local hospital and have had a preliminary interview with the main nursing hiring person.They have a fulltime OR position open and she has forwarded my app to the OR director: I believe I'll be having an interview soon.:rotfl:

A bit of background-- I'm getting into nursing a tad late: I'll be 57 when I start working ( a pretty youthful 57, if I say so myself:rolleyes: ). I'm also coming to nursing from a unique place; I've been a practicing podiatrist for nearly 30 years! This means I've done some surgery myself, know my way around a sterile environment pretty well, and know a lot of the instruments already (at least the orthopedic ones).

So, after a long winded intro, tell me why I want to work in the OR. From what I've seen at my preceptorship (where I'll probably put in an app also), the teamwork is terrific, the 1:1 nurse:patient ratio is great and although you're kept very busy, it doesn't all seem like a lot of busy work. I'm psyched, but I'd like to hear other people's comments. Thanks.

PS-I'd especially like to hear from anyone in the NY Capital District

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Specializes in jack of all trades, master of none.

LOL.. We get all kinds of busy work, picking cases, cleaning rooms between cases (when housekeeping can't be found) organizing the core....sometimes helping give breaks & lunches, get turns at being charge & running the board (YUK!!), transporting pt's up to ICU.... Sometimes we get free time & get to work on our continuing ed on the computer, but I usually end up doing that from home or when I'm on call.

Why the career change? Sick of feet? Just wondering...

All that, & the OR is just plain AWESOME to work in. OR nursing is like no other. It's the best, even on the worst day!!!

Good luck :)

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

and although you're kept very busy, it doesn't all seem like a lot of busy work

Almost choked on my tea when i read that lol.

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