Is this how it is in your OR?

Specialties Operating Room

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I want to compare OR's. Where I work and anywhere else in America. I work in a small independent surgery center in N.Alabama. Question 1, versed is given before circulator can check the permit. Is this the norm? 2.We have no support help. RN circulators have to do the C-arm, laser, local cases with no other nurse. Is this the norm where you work. I am worn out from pushing the C-arm, neuro microscope, moving beds from room to room, pushing the mop between cases feeling like I have to do it all myself and usually don't have help as the scrub is busy doing their thing...before I walk out of OR for good tell me how it is out there? Please. What can I expect if I leave here and move to Florida...our pay is 15/hr, no shift diff, we have to stay till all cases are completed. You could essentially be here everyday till 5 or 6pm. I am tired and had enough. I have been nursing for 25yrs...what else is there? Thanks, Karen .

gailrn

2 Posts

Versed - Anesthesia sometimes gets to the holding unit before the circulator does as we're busy setting up the case. Most of the time, though, we both see the patient at the same time, so it's not an issue.

In our hospital,the xray department has a set up in the OR and they come in and do the C-Arm. We also have housekeeping to turn over our rooms. We do our own laser and move our own microscopes and other equipment. We do have an outpatient center where we clean the tables, but housekeeping does the floors and trash and laundry. As far as local cases, an anesthesiologist or CRNA is always in the room even for a minor local procedure. As far as pay, we do get shift diffs, but only if we work at least two hours into the next shift. We have a call system in place for nights and weekends. We also have "short call" in which one RN and one Tech sign up each night to finish cases. The call period is only two hours for the 8 hour people (3:45-5:45) and from 5:45-7pm for the 10 hour people. Unless there is a trauma, those two people on call will not stay later. (we are a level 1 trauma center.) I wouldn't leave OR nursing, but maybe instead look at a different hospital or surgi-center.

shodobe

1,260 Posts

Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

I can understand the reason behind you having to do everything.It is a surgicenter and the allmighty dollar is the bottom line.Why hire a bunch of people to do what is already done by you.If you worked where I am, it is the responsibility of the X-ray dept to setup and move in and out the c-arm.We have been told by our Director to NOT touch their equipment.Unfortunately I know more about the C-arm than the techs do so I always setup myself for the cases I am involved with.Our housekeeping takes care of the room cleanup, but we all chip in to help when it is busy.Local cases, not MAC, only involve an RN.I have two or more anesthesiologist just feet away if there is a problem.Versed can be given in the holding room if there is no problem with the chart or consents.Our MDs always ask if it is OK to give something to the patient.I hope this helps some, Mike

KarenHalse

49 Posts

Originally posted by shodobe:

I can understand the reason behind you having to do everything.It is a surgicenter and the allmighty dollar is the bottom line.Why hire a bunch of people to do what is already done by you.If you worked where I am, it is the responsibility of the X-ray dept to setup and move in and out the c-arm.We have been told by our Director to NOT touch their equipment.Unfortunately I know more about the C-arm than the techs do so I always setup myself for the cases I am involved with.Our housekeeping takes care of the room cleanup, but we all chip in to help when it is busy.Local cases, not MAC, only involve an RN.I have two or more anesthesiologist just feet away if there is a problem.Versed can be given in the holding room if there is no problem with the chart or consents.Our MDs always ask if it is OK to give something to the patient.I hope this helps some, Mike

Mike, thanks for the reply. I have had some interesting reports from people on and off the list. Most are varied but none it seems are as bad as where I work. The almighty dollar is the bottom line. It is too bad the doc's have to have such a big cut in it all. One alone had a 90k bonus alone.I will hang in where I am for a while longer and then I am gone. They will have to find another sucker.....thanks, Karen

shodobe

1,260 Posts

Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

Hang in there and good luck! I know you will find something better. Mike

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