Outpatient Surgery Baby! A transfer of happiness!

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Hi,

I started my nursing career in a place I always thought I wanted to go, THE OR! This was about a year and a half ago. Now, I should mention, I was from an outpatient surgery center prior to becomming an RN. Over the first few months, I knew it wasn't right for me. It was the people, the drudgery of the large cases, the lack of help! Part of my orientation way back when was in the out outpatient surgery department and I LOOOVED it but thought better of starting there right away. As the months progressed, I hated my job more and more. So, I applied and transferred to the outpatient land of happiness.

I have never made a better decision! No call, no weekends, co-workers are so nice I could die! There is always help, everyone is on the same page, small cases where I can be at peace and breathe while they are going! Love it, love it, LOVE IT! I just thought I would post this so that if any new RN's start in a field where they don't enjoy it they might consider a lateral move! It could change your life!!!

Anyone else experience a joyful lateral move early or late into their career?

(I will not have any talk of me losing my skills! LOL I hear it too much from my ex-coworks anyways!)

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

If you enjoy what you are doing, how can it be wrong? Glad you found your spot.

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I call my job in out patient surgery, "the happiest place on the earth." I am almost embarrassed to work in such an environment. Feel so bad for floor nurses, every other weekend, OR nurses taking call, "whose working Christmas day this year." etc. I just cringe when I hear my co-workers DARE to complain that this job is hard or they are having a bad day!!!!!

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I am interviewing in the morning for an OPS position. I was nervous about making the move from Night Shift PCU, but I am soooooo tired of the understaffing and the shift itself. Your post has made me excited about possible great things ahead!

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Thank you for sharing your happiness!! I also made a move to outpatient surgery and I couldn't be happier!! I worked in the main OR at the local hospital on the island of Maui for over 4 years. Living in paradise was nice, but the job really took a tole on me! Not only was it exhausting (working 12 hour shifts, weekends, nights, and CALL), it was very stressful. I never knew what type of case was going to come through the OR. I had very bad anxiety and it started to affect my personal life, and I realized it stemmed from my job in the main OR. Unfortunately, there were no other options where I was living in Maui, so my husband and I made a move to California, for more job opportunities and to be closer to family. There were some hospital OR positions, but I wanted to hold out for a surgery center. After 5 month of looking, I landed a job in a surgery center in Monterey, CA!! I cannot even explain how happy I am now :) I work normal hours (M-F), no weekends, nights, or holidays. Everyone I work with is in a good mood, not the stressful environment of the hospital. This is the BEST decision I have made in my career, even if it meant leaving Hawaii, I am so much happier in my life and with my husband!! It is possible to be happy in your job, you just have to find your place :)

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

Would y'all stop talking about how great we have it. Everyone will want in, lol.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Haha, you're right!!! I better keep my mouth shut :)

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