CD-RN

I have the same trouble, and I found it was a matter of using the soft ear pieces at the correct angle!

Hi, I have worked in the ED and the OR, and I think the decision should be based on how long you have been a nurse, whether or not you enjoy patient care, and what direction you want your career to take. Also, what type of hospital you would be working in makes a difference. Is the OR job at a Level I Trauma Center, a primarily cardiac facility, or a small community hospital? What about the ED position; how many patients do they see a day? Is it primarily cardiac, trauma, or a mixture of both? Is this an ED where you will see pediatrics? If you are a new RN, I would encourage you to go first to the ED and gain patient assessment and skills before going to an environment where you are not directly involved in patient care. The ED is a super place to learn alot and see alot, and it can be alot of fun! You are then able to take those skills and apply them to another area of nursing or broaden your education and follow a career as a nurse practitioner, flight nurse, etc. The OR is a very different entity, and although it has is pros also, I felt it was very limiting, didn't offer much autonomy, and was extremely task oriented. You definitely have control over your environment. I worked on the cardiovascular surgery team, and although it is very exciting to be involved in cardiothoracic surgery, as an RN you are doing paperwork and retrieving instruments. The interesting stuff is happening on the table! Basically, you coordinate the room so that the surgery flows smoothly for the surgeon. If you see yourself in a more controlled environment with a set routine (although things in the OR CAN get out of control-especially in a Level I Trauma Center!), then the OR could be perfect for you. You must remember that if you choose the OR first, then when (or even if) you decide to move to another area of nursing, you will again have a full orientation, because a surgical orientation is much different than other areas of nursing. Obviously, I am biased towards the ED, but only you can know what's right for you. Go with your heart. Do what you love in nursing, and you'll never go wrong! Best of luck to you!