NurseShek

For me, I am not an RN yet, but have been in O.R. for about 3 yrs. I started as a CNA, then worked into a scrub position. Currently, I work as an LPN in O.R. If I were you, I would get some med/surg first because I am told a lot of OR's require that initially. As far as books, I reccommend "Pocket Guide to the Operating Room". It was given to me as a gift and I love it. The pros of OR are a set schedule with holidays/weekends off most of the time. You do have to take call however. (Which I hate) Qualities I think are important: Definitely a proactive nurse. Surgeons want you to have what they need before they ask. You have to have great anticipation skills. That goes for a scrub and a circulator. You have to be prepared for anything because any case can go sour or take a different turn. Also, if you love patient care and interaction, OR is not for you. I am ready to leave O.R. personally. I love talking with patients and being at the bedside. Good Luck! Shelly

I live in Colorado, work in New Mexico. (I live near the border) Anyway, it is $2.00 to carry the pager. It is time and a half ONLY if you are over 40 hrs for the week which is bs if you ask me. The place I worked before (in Colorado) gave time and a half regardless. Oh, and this is a STATE facility! Cheap, cheap! Shelly

Maybe I did not look well enough, but I did not notice an Infertility forum on this site. Anyway, I am very interested in this specialty. I'm not really sure why, but the topic intrigues me. I love to research basal temping, charting, medications, techniques. theories, ect....related to infertility. I would love to specialize in this area, however it does not seem to be an "in demand" specialty. I can not even find information on acquiring a certification as a reproductive health nurse or something similar. Is anyone in this field? Can anyone offer me resources or information on this? Shelly