OR nurse role?

orrnlori, RN · Mar 1, 2004

I'm just a plain old OR nurse, no preop for me, that would mean starting IV's which I don't do anymore. PACU means patient's disoriented and vomitting. Yuk. I've often thought that it would be good to do them all. But working in the OR is a full time full effort job. And I like it so I have no intention to cross train.

shodobe · Mar 1, 2004

Just put me back in the room with the blood and guts! I really don't feel like having patients throwing up on me or screaming till I can't hear. I love taking care of the patients before and during the case, but not really after. I do start IVs on patients before and on kids during procedures. We have a good PACU crew and they do an excellent job, makes my job easier knowing my patients are going to be taken care of. Mike

Ferret · Mar 1, 2004

G'day all,

I'm doing the Perioperative Nursing course on a pure scrub/scout thread. I believe I'll spend a couple of weeks in the year in recovery and anaesthetics, but that is just to get an idea of the role. I guess what I'm saying is an OR nurse IS a periop nurse here.

Having said that, the course I'm doing also can be done from an recovery/anaesthetics focus as well, so perhaps a better way of saying it would be;

A perioperative nurse can be either a scrub/scout nurse, a recovery nurse &/or an anaesthetic nurse, or all of the above.

I hope you are now all as confused as I am... must be because I live upside down downunder :chuckle

callbabe · Mar 3, 2004

Hi all,
I was wondering if there was a difference between an OR nurse or perioperative nurse? Do all OR nurses have to spend time in pre-op or PACU or can you just be an OR nurse? Thanks to anyone who responds!

Hello.

to answer your question, You can just be an OR nurse. Perioperative means the whole area, anyone who works pre-op, OR, or Pacu is considered a perioperative nurse. I have worked in all areas. Now I just do OR. I you have anyother questions feel free. callbabe