OR Nurses, I need your input!

[wayover20]

I'm going on my 29th year of nursing, with 20 of it spent working in the emergency room. But alas, given the way staff cutbacks, lack of adequate security, high turnover rates, staff burnout has changed the way I feel, I think the time has come to look for another area to spend the last half of my career. The only other area that has ever peaked an interest in me is the OR, and I'd like your insight into what it's like and if you really like it. I know staffing, turnovers, burnout can be an issue anyhwere, but what has me really bummed about the ED is dealing with the public in general. I started my career when people had respect for hospitals/doctors/nurses. Now they come in demanding services, and wanting it fast. To top it off, now with the internet, they actually come in and tell the doctor what kind of tests they need because they know they have this particular problem and then go on to name their treatment. We all have to go round and round explaining why we don't do things that way, and at the same time maintaining a high level of "customer satisfaction" (lest we be reprimanded by the powers that be.) Oh brother......that's the big thing right now......let's keep our "customers" happy. To heck with the fact that they just cussed us out......put your personal feelings aside and see them as the "sick" patient they are. Offer the people in the waiting area a blanket if they're cold, offer coffee etc. Forget the fact you're short 2 nurses and have 3 ICU holdovers and the EMS phone is ringing off the hook because you're not allowed to go on diversion....etc.etc.. OK, Thanks, I'm done.

[chartleypj]

wayover20,

I've worked in an OR for almost 27 years. I love it but you need to know perioperative nursing has it's unique challenges, too. Working effectively in very close proximity with others on a surgical team is dependant on teamwork, communication, mutual respect, expert knowledge, flexibililty and a sense of humor.

When personalities clash (and they do!) it can be stressfull. Working long hours plus being on call takes it's toll on one's level of patience. It's hard to work with some surgeons who are demanding and truly believe they are God's gift to mankind.

You mention dealing with the public. that doesn't stop in the OR; in fact, your critical role will be that of advocate for that patient before, during and immediately after surgery.

Good luck with your decision.

Paula

[carcha]

I could be wrong but I think after all those years you will find you miss that interaction with the patients. I certaintly feel you have so little time to actually meet patients and most of the time especially if you dont check them in or do anaesthetic work you only see the intubated ones. Like the last writer I too believe OR work has its own unique challanges and not meaning to sound horrible the OR is not a place to run to to get away from other difficult areas. You must have a lot or autonomy in your present area after all those years, will you be happy being the junior and learning all over again?. I've worked in the or for nearly 20 years and am still learning so for me to start over again in a totally different field at this point in my career would be hard. However have u thought of PACU. you could use your vast experience here and still have less interaction with patients and families yet maintain more interaction then in the OR. Also you could decide if you wanted to move into OR work while working in the PACU. Let us know and good luck.

[cwazycwissyRN, RN]

Hi,

I worked M/S part time in ER and SCU for over 8 years before coming to the OR. I too was ready for a change....avoiding burnout. It was a new adventure, learning a completely different type of nursing. I was in kindergarden again. I feel it was the right move for me. It took a couple of years to feel a comfort level but feel like it was worth the investment of time and patience. As you said it is for the second part of your carreer. I look at it as a real carreer change, one that I plan on doing for many years. I continue to learn new things daily after nearly 5 years. If you enjoy a challenge and enjoy learning different aspects of nursing, the OR will meet your needs. The roles of the RN vary from OR to OR. I am mainly a circulating nurse. Good luck with your decision, hope you find the info you need.

[wayover20]

Thanks, all, for the info. I appreciate your help.

Wayover20