Passing out in the OR....

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everyone,

I shadowed in the OR for the first time today. I had eaten breakfast (Oatmeal and Coffee), woke up ready to go, and was standing next to the CRNA, standing up on my toes at times in the FREEZING room to observe the parathyroid surgery that was taking place. They began to cauterize the tissue, and I thought it was awesome! I kept trying to get a better look, but before I knew it, I began feeling nauseous, and passed out right there.:( So embarassed, I sat up after a minute of being helped by the CRNA, then proceded to sit in a chair as they wrapped up the procedure and finished watching the sutures being placed. I finished the day watching a podiatrist do a bunion removal and tendon repair, and went home.

Am I doomed to be a nurse?? Does this mean I can't hack it?? I am wanting to be an RN--I really enjoyed watching everyone, and was not grossed out by the procedures- but am thinking it was due to my locked knees, standing in one spot, and the newness of it all?? I feel horrible- if anyone has had any similar experience or advice, please let me know. Thank you.

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sounds to me like you were more nervous and psyched up about the experience in regards to the people, the surroundings, etc.; not the procedure......I know when I worked at the hospital as an EKG tech there were a few times would get to feeling like that, but just taking a few breaths and stepping back in my mind, would help me to get an overview of the room and situation, before I would "key" back in with my eyes and mind to the procedure...Does that make sense? I don't think this shows you're not cut out to be a nurse, at all...

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Don't worry about it, the best nurses I know passed out during cauterization (it doesn't smell pretty lol) You were probably so intent on the procedure that you didn't notice your body was not. My first OR experience I ended up helping my fellow student off the floor and she is now an OR nurse. Just keep going everything will be fine.

Shari:nurse:

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Ya, I wouldn't worry. I doubt it will happen again. My nursing instructor said it happens every so often. She said it's freezing in there and people are standing for long periods of time. People faint in there, and not just because they are nervous or grossed out. Just the standing still for so long could have caused this. It's your bodies way to getting more blood to your brain.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

It happens.

As a student, I passed out in the OR.

As a seasoned nurse, I passed out again in the OB unit.

Both times standing in one place too long and got too hot, I'm sure.

Like I said, it happens and I can about assure you that it will have no bearing on your career as a nurse.

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I'm a student and I passed out last semester during a lumbar puncture! I was mortified, but my instructor said someone usually goes down every semester. I've seen some far more intense things since then and I have been fine. You will be, too.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

You know, it happens to the best of us. You probably did lock your knees, coupled with excitement, ect. How far was the gap between the time you were in surgery and when you ate breakfast? It could be any number of factors. I wouldn't let it bother you. Your heart is in the right place. whatever you do make sure you don't lock your knees! Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in ED.

Oh, don't let it bother you! When I was in high school I worked at a doctor's office (I knew I wanted to be a nurse) and I almost passed out watching a NP suture a lac...and now I'm an ER nurse. Doesn't bother me a bit now:wink2: A lot of times I think it has to do with the excitement and anticipation of such new surroundings. The only other time I've ever had a problem like that was in nursing school when I was watching a bone marrow biopsy...AFTER the procedure was finished the doctor was tranferring the core from the needle into some container and something about that totally got me...yeah, it's embarassing but it dosn't mean your doomed. :D

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Specializes in ER.

I had a syncopal episode in the OR my first year of nursing school. It happens. Guess what? I am now a trauma nurse in the ED and see all kinds of blood, guts, etc. It doesn't bother me one bit.

When you are a student it is different. I guess you have time to imagine what it would feel like. Or it could be the newness of the situation. Or it could be all mask/gown you were wearing. Who cares what it was. It happens and you are not the first nor the last nursing student to pass out in the OR.

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Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

Don't feel bad. I came very close to passing out in the OR. I think it was because I wasn't used to having a mask on my face for so long. I started hyperventilating a little and everything turned white. It only happened one other time when I had to be in a mask for almost an hour. I guess I have to learn how to breathe better with a mask on.

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Specializes in HomeHealth / geriatrics.

I love how honest everybody is on this subject in this profession you just have to have a sense of humor lol.......thanks for being so honest

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Thank you everyone for your replies-- it makes me feel a lot better. Hopefully that is the only time it happens, but I guess if it does again, it better not be due to me locking my knees or standing still too long!! Thanks for all the tips and encouragement.

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