Opinion needed......

Pitbullgirl · Apr 23, 2006

Dear medic2bsn,

I worked in my hospital's Level 1 ED as a tech for almost 3 years while getting my BSN. I loved it. But we have a higher patient-to-nurse ratio than even you described. We also have some nurses who "eat their young" and management who promote "client satisfaction" as though we are Macy's. The nurses routinely go 12-13 hours without taking a break to eat or even go to the bathroom. It is rare that staff gets to actually sit down, even at the nurse's station, and eat.

Guess what I did? I went to the same hospital's OR after I graduated this past December. I had no desire to start off my nursing career under those incredible stressful conditions. The ED is crazy enough, but poor management has made my ED unsafe. So far, I'm really enjoying the OR. Yes, I still miss the ED sometimes. But I like have a break for lunch. Out of the 8 people in my internship group, I am doing as much, if not more, than everyone else and am probably one of the most comfortable in the OR. Qualities that make you good in the ED are VERY transferrable to the OR. I'm used to a fast pace. I developed a very thick skin in the ED. Having things change quickly is no surprise to me. Multi-tasking is not difficult, just learning new things to multi-task.

My husband graduated a year before me, and is a nurse in the ED. Although he still loves his work, he is seriously considering coming to the OR in the fall because of everything I mentioned.

Good luck, and best wishes in your decision.

medic2bsn · Apr 24, 2006

Dear medic2bsn,
I worked in my hospital's Level 1 ED as a tech for almost 3 years while getting my BSN. I loved it. But we have a higher patient-to-nurse ratio than even you described. We also have some nurses who "eat their young" and management who promote "client satisfaction" as though we are Macy's. The nurses routinely go 12-13 hours without taking a break to eat or even go to the bathroom. It is rare that staff gets to actually sit down, even at the nurse's station, and eat.
Guess what I did? I went to the same hospital's OR after I graduated this past December. I had no desire to start off my nursing career under those incredible stressful conditions. The ED is crazy enough, but poor management has made my ED unsafe. So far, I'm really enjoying the OR. Yes, I still miss the ED sometimes. But I like have a break for lunch. Out of the 8 people in my internship group, I am doing as much, if not more, than everyone else and am probably one of the most comfortable in the OR. Qualities that make you good in the ED are VERY transferrable to the OR. I'm used to a fast pace. I developed a very thick skin in the ED. Having things change quickly is no surprise to me. Multi-tasking is not difficult, just learning new things to multi-task.
My husband graduated a year before me, and is a nurse in the ED. Although he still loves his work, he is seriously considering coming to the OR in the fall because of everything I mentioned.
Good luck, and best wishes in your decision.

I really enjoy working 3 days a week. I believe that OR would be M - F with call. What are your responsibilities in the OR?...and thanks for your input.

Pitbullgirl · Apr 24, 2006

At my hospital, almost everyone in the OR works 5 days/week 8-hr shifts. There are some who work 4 days a week, either 4 10's or 2 12's and 2 8's. There is a very small minority who work 3 12's, but they've been here for a long time, and there are no more 3 12's or ".9" positions offered.

I think night shift may be different and have 12's, and of course the WEPP (weekend plan) staff only work 2 12's. It would be nice to have 4 days off, although I'm hoping to get one of the 4 day/week shifts.

There is so much more to working in the OR than what many people think. It's much more than "counting" instruments and sponges. However, it is very task-oriented and less patient-care oriented than in other areas.

Good luck!

medic2bsn · May 9, 2006

I thought all weekend about the position. I told my wife and myself that if I was offered the position, then it was meant to be. I put in a transfer request. Was interviewed the day after and offered the job that same day. I accepted the position, RN Circulator. I hope this works out. I'm exicted. I start June 5. Thanks for your responses.