OR Internshop-good or bad?

GOMER42 · Aug 14, 2008

I'd say that if you have a problem gowning up for isolation, you will definitely have a problem gowning for OR (in which you will have to be gowned and masked for hours on end rather than minutes at a time).

If your heart is not in OR then I would suggest for you to NOT take the position simply as a learning experience (you could learn through a day of observation!). Move aside and let someone who has a passion for the field have the opportunity.

cdsga · Aug 20, 2008

Don't do it if you're not enthusiastic or interested in the OR. It's not a place for the weak or supersensitive. It is for those who want to learn something new every case, and who get a kick out of seeing a real anatomy book in an actual patient. It's challenging, you don't have patient's remembering what you did for them, you do see the patient when they are at their most vulnerable state, and you have to be the ultimate patient advocate, even if you have to stand up to the doctors or even your managers. I teach a periop internship and our interview process is intense and really weeds out those who don't want it as a first choice.

My recommendation to you is to get a year of Med/surg under your belt, work in ICU to become skilled at rapid patient assessment, and build your assertiveness. When you do that you can move anywhere in patient care.

We spend alot of time in training and it is a waste when we see nurses leave the OR in less than one year. If you stay in the OR for one year, you usually will stay in the OR for a while. You learn alot and you don't want to lose your skills. It's a great place to work if you have the "right stuff":saint:

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Aug 20, 2008

I agree with the above. I'm usually of the school that says a year of the floors is not necessary, but in your case, where you haven't really been exposed to the OR, it may be wise. I went right to the OR after NS, but I was a surgical tech for several years...I knew the OR was where my passion was. I also agree that it can be rough if your heart isn't in it...I've found myself nose to nose with docs and coworkers at times regarding a patient's care.:argue:

Good luck whatever you decide to do. :nurse:

cdsga · Aug 20, 2008

good response witchy--as painful as it may be to some--you do learn how to multi-task, and prioritize care with more than one patient.

You also learn delegation.

In the ICU you learn the nuances of your "gut" during repeat assessments on a few patients and at times the ICU nurse catches subtle signs and symptoms that are invaluable in the OR. You learn to prepare for the worst and expect the best in the patient outcomes to treatment.

I have done all but the Med/Surg. but I was determined to work in the ICU and learn how to perform a great patient assessment and actually be respected for my skills in reporting my findings to Doctors, interns and fellows. I learned to ask for corroboration and elicit help from other nurses in my unit and that team approach really helped me survive the OR.

I personally think that the OR gives you the excitement of the ICU without the long term care of the very sick and dying. You get immediate results and treat or try to make a definitive diagnosis. Even now after years of experience, I tell my interns that if they lose their "stage fright" they need to find something else to do . The edge that the unknown gives you, keeps you humble and keeps you sharp. A box of chocolates from a thankful patient won't give me that. It's appreciated, yes, but just like golf, I can always get better and be more proficient. Technology changes so quickly, you have to stay focused, trained and willing to apply principles that build on others. It takes a good couple of years to get your confidence level up.