Passing out in the OR

[Carrie_MTC]

Today was my last day for my med-surg rotation. I have seen several surgeries this quarter from a C-section to a total hip replacement and did just fine. Today I was in watching a Lap Chole and I passed out. I don't get it. I wasn't grossed out by anything and I ate a good breakfast with plenty of protein. I made sure to move my legs every once in a while so I wasn't just standing still. Just felt hot all of a sudden and the next thing I know I'm on the floor. As if that wasn't embarrassing enough the anesthesiologist told me to consider a new profession!!! Has this ever happened to you and how do you overcome the feeling that it will happen again? I've always thought I wanted to be a scrub nurse but today just left me feeling really discouraged, not only by the anesthesiologist but the rest of the staff that saw the incident.

[Feathers]

Last week was my first time in the OR & I was not grossed out, ate breakfast & everything. I too found myself getting very light-headed... it was the mask for sure, I almost went down, but didn't. I quickly backed myself into the corner & crouched low, turned my head into the corner, lifted the mask a little & took a few deep breaths. All of a sudden I heard "are you ok?" lol I was fine, but embarrassed! Everyone was very nice about it, they shared stories about when it happened to them, or other people watching (not just NS either, med students, new surgeons, etc.). Took me only a few moments to regain composure, but I didn't need to step out. My nose was a bit stuffy that morning, so I know I was breathing through my mouth a lot, try not to do that if possible!

So yes, it happens MORE often than not. Sorry they weren't more understanding.

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

I used to assist with surgeries at a vet's office and know that hot, woozy feeling all to well. The worst time I ever had was when I had to hold up a Labrador Retriever's leg for part of a TPLO sx and between the lights, mask, and wearing a long sleeved shirt under my scrubs (stupid stupid stupid!!!) I was really worried I wouldn't make it through the whole process. I witnessed another tech who fainted while monitoring anesthesia and she had no idea why it happened. It was just a spay and she had seen at least a dozen already, and she didn't feel too hot or hungry. Just suddenly felt light headed and then she was on the ground. Oh vey!

[SnarfGirl]

Oh man! It happened to me once when I was working in a surgical center before I even started nursing school...it was my first day - I was shadowing a nurse to learn how to scrub in on a simple in office breast biopsy....I was fine until he made the incision around the nipple and I got really really hot and next thing I know I was on the floor...!! I wasn't grossed out at all, they said it was probably my mask, and reminded me to never lock my knees after that...I went 5 years working in that area with no problems whatsoever...THEN I start nursing school and in the first semester of our MS rotation I was asked by MD to take out a J tube and the doctor was in the room (he was so nice) and I cut the sutures, and then he told me just to yank really hard (AHHH!) and so I did and nothing happened! So I yanked again and I guess the smell got to me or something but I was seeing black and my knees were about to go! My instructor noticed I was really pale and pulled me out, gave me peanut butter and juice...I was so embarrassed....at least I didn't hit the floor that time. Don't be embrassed - I too want to be a surgical nurse and I'm not letting any of that stop me!! Good luck!

[Serlait]

I have my first OR observation on Tuesday and I'm scared witless. My biggest fear is passing out...this thread has helped AND made me worry! :)

[Ang_RN]

Like everyone else said I truly believe it is the mask. Before nursing school I worked as a dental assistant. I had to wear masks constantly. Anytime I was in a long procedure I would get the same feeling if I did not get some fresh oxygen in me. I eventually figured that out and never got that feeling again.

Get some oxygen in your lungs when you start feeling hot and you will be okay!

[JBudd, MSN]

They're all right! Its the mask and the heat. Got to keep the room warm so the patient doesn't become hypothermic during the surgery. Deep breaths and step out.:)