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.
OMG it reminds me when I was a student.. I didn't pass out but I got really pale & I feel nauseated when I was watching an operation in the OR.Thanks for sharing!
I passed out in a Vets office. Yes my poor doggy had a boil on his back and the vet had to drain it. Needless to say I was feeling faint and wanted to go sit in the chair but my mother stopped me and told me I needed to help hold the dog. I looked at her and said "I fixing too................................" and hit the floor. Woke up soon after with the Vet over me and with muffled ears heard him say "Just lay still" In my head I was at home in my bed, and was fixing to let out a scream when I saw my dog looking at me from over the examming room table and my mom holding my feet up in the air. It all then came flooding back to me what happened. So when I was in the OR and felt it happening again I let the OR nurse know and she got me out of their before I hit the floor. After a few minutes rest and bathroom break I went back in and finished watching the surgery. It was a 4 hour surgery.
I didn't quite pass out, but the room did start closing in on me...
It was before I started nursing school and was allowed (with the patient's permission) to observe a lady partsl delivery of twins. I did fine with the first twin, but when the doctor put on a gauntlet and went in to turn the second twin I got woozy. I was able to get out of the room and sit down without actually going down.
I think it's more common to have at least one syncopal episode during NS that it is not to. At one point whether it be from not eating or excitelent or leg locking or from tring to breathe through the danged mask for 2 hours (and watching your breath fog up the attached shield and then the freezing OR starts to feel too hot... you know where i'm heading with this). It's not a big deal. it doesn't mean you can't hack it as a nurse. Nor does it mean that the OR isn't for you. I was embarrased after passing out watching my first surgery - got through the entire thing and passed out during the suturing. Ate a few peanut butter crackers and got back in the game and was fine for the rest of the day. No one made a big deal, either.
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.
jekjek14
21 Posts
OMG it reminds me when I was a student.. I didn't pass out but I got really pale & I feel nauseated when I was watching an operation in the OR.Thanks for sharing!