OR nursing.... "real nursing"

[RNOTODAY]

I have a question...... Do any of you think that OR nursing is not 'really" "nursing" at all? I mean what we do is important, but, when you compare it to the other areas of nursing, I think it is so very different. I was thinking the other day, I dont even bring a stethoscope to work!!! I have no need for one, dont start IV's, dont give any meds, although I retrieve them from pyxis, give them to the field, abx to anesthesia, etc..... but.....not that I cant say I mind this, as I have really no interest at all in med surg floor type nursing.....which is why I guess I was drwan to the OR.but what do you all think? My manager even said, in a half joking way, "this is not nursing, this is the OR!!!"

[JLynnOR]

If not being a "real nurse" means cleaning "code browns" less than twice a year, count me in!!

In all seriousness, the roles of all members of the interdisciplinary team are shifting and blurring all of the time. Just because people in other roles can do it (EMT's, etc) doesn't mean that it's not a "real" nursing duty, in my opinion. OR nurses are responsible for patient assessment, patient advocacy, and can be held liable for their duties perioperatively. To me, that's "real nursing".

And, as an OR nurse, I know that I'm in a highly-specialized role in which my skills are well-utilized, my talents and knowledge are respected by the physicians I work with (even if they expect me to work like a drone), and I make a good living. If at any point I choose to transfer to an area of nursing less desirable to me (as in more "grunt" nursing tasks), I can do so.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

If not being a "real nurse" means cleaning "code browns" less than twice a year, count me in!!

We still do that though (and thanks to Yellowfin or candycane stirrups, that code brown can be projectile.) lol

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Just because people in other roles can do it (EMT's, etc) doesn't mean that it's not a "real" nursing duty, in my opinion. OR nurses are responsible for patient assessment, patient advocacy, and can be held liable for their duties perioperatively. To me, that's "real nursing".

Well said.

[irinay]

Ladies!!!!

Can someone simply say why it is so good to be an OR nurse?

Thank you

Boris

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Because surgery is cool.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

Ladies!!!!

Can someone simply say why it is so good to be an OR nurse?

Thank you

Boris

Because........you have a beginning, a middle, and an end. You only have to deal with one patient at a time. You dont have to work every other major holiday, or even every other weekend. Chances are good you will be on days, mostly. You dont have to drive home, and wonder.... "did I forget to do this, or that?" You have the opportunity to work along some very brilliant people, and most of the time they love to teach.... You get to REALLY be part of a team, and not just in theory. ...........and, even though you took a & P in school, and think you perfectly understand everything, its still NOTHING like until you actually SEE it!!!!! For ex, you know a kidney makes urine.... but until you SEE one make it in front of your own eyes, (during a transplant)... .its just incredible..... Marie is right, SURGERY IS COOL!!!!!!

[Kabin]

Can someone simply say why it is so good to be an OR nurse?

Boris

It's all about the surgical gowns and caps. :)