mamamiah

On the contrary, I have nothing but good things to say when working with or surgeons. I have worked there for quite a while and we work well together. I still deal with family members, but not all day long as you mentioned. I understand the nursing care received after surgery is a continuation of what we do. With that being said, I am fulfilled knowing that what we've done for our patients is complete. I do miss the fact that I didn't expand on the skills I have now. I am in the process of going back to school as well and in knowing that, management isn't something that isn't of interest to me. I would like to eventually teach the clinical aspect of what we do in the OR. Yes, I hope to venture out and be precepted.

thank you so much for this info. I regret not having moved into Med Surg when I finished my nursing program. I am paying for it now. I am getting older and I am nervous.

What would it be like for a nurse of 6 yrs who has worked in the operating room for 17 yrs total. I was a surgical technologist for 11 yrs and then went to nursing school. I stayed in surgery because I loved it. My dilemma is I feel as if I've lost nursing knowledge and skills. I want to gain experience. I want to go to med-surg unit and finally feel like I'm a nurse. Please no judgement. I need this change. What would it be like? What in your experience should I start relearning and studying up on?

I can't say that I am bored. I love what I do and I know that I am making a difference. With that being said when it comes to the nursing skills aspect of it I also feel that I've lost nursing skills. I want to make that move, but what it boils down to, I am scared. There I've said it. I've worked in surgery for 17 yrs and I've been a nurse for over 6 yrs. I suppose what I should do is speak to a nurse recruiter at a local hospital and see what my options are. I am relieved other nurses are in the same boat.

Are there any Main OR nurses who have transferred to MED Surg? What was your experience like? I feel that my skills are lost. I feel the need to make a change to MedSurg. I am scared though. Advice on how or what I should do?

I would like to know if there are any Main OR Circulators who have changed from the OR to MedSurg? I feel that I have lost all my skills and feel the need to go and work Med Surg for a few years. Would I be able to succeed or not. I feel as if I'd need a preceptor. I'm feeling lost and incomplete. I don't know what to do.

I will be moving to the Richmond Hill area and I'm wondering if anyone can give me any info on the Hospitals in Savannah. Thanks!

I'm an OR nurse of three years. I started off as a surg tech but wanted to experience both worlds. I will be moving soon and wonder if going to a med/surg floor for a year or two would be beneficial? Don't get me wrong I love circulating but moving due to spouse being active duty military I wonder what's best ?

Chloraprep does have alcohol, we have 3 minute time out (fire risk). If pt has iodine allergy, I've used hibiclens.

LittlejtLPN, Are you now working as an RN? Are you enjoying it?

Thank you all so much for the information. It is greatly appreciated.

Oh my goodness, for a second I thought I started this specific thread. I am or was in the same boat. I am PRN not by choice though. When I finished nursing school my nurse manager said he could offer me a 12-8 evening slot. Mind you he hired new nurses to our hospital and the got 6-3 day slots, full time at that. I have worked in my department for 13 yrs total. I was a surg tech first. I took it as a slap in the face. I had a young child that was in school, a husband deploying quite regularly and no support system when he's gone. Well one day the person having to pick up my daughter after school failed to do so. That was the end of that shift for me. I went out on maternity leave and when I returned to work it was weekends only. It works for my family. I had to do what was best for my family. I feel guilty because I know they are short staffed, but as it was stated in previous post, we can't do it all. Family first.

Tina, great info. I'm looking for a change from the OR.

Hi there, I was a surgical tech for about 11yrs. I went back to school and became an LPN but stayed in the OR and scrubbed cases. I went back to school and became an RN about two yrs ago. I am circulating now and am learning so much on a daily basis. I love my job, but lately I feel burnt out. It isn't in my nature to complain at work, I take it all in stride I suppose that's the soldier in me. LOL! There have been numerous times I've had to pull double shifts because a coworker calls out repeatedly. Working weekends only I take EC both days. I have children and a husband currently on an overseas assignment. I am at my limit. I can't and refuse to be away from my kids 17 - 18 hrs in one day. I want to write a letter informing them I will no longer take Call on Sundays. What should I do? How do I do it? What should I say? I feel management doesn't really care about my situation since I am there weekends only. Help!!!

Thank you for the advice. I am going to stay out of it.

I just wonder if upper management overheard this it could hurt them. Suppose if they are using the position for their own good. I will stay out of it though.

What would you do when you overhear co workers talking about the charge nurse who has gone back to school and that she has an agenda. There is favoritism that is shown to a few that have gone back to school with. For example, days off for them to complete assignments for her and themselves. I realize it's hearsay, but it could ultimately hurt them. Would you approach her and tell her what you've overheard of just stay out of it altogether.

I feel you misunderstood what my post was about. I was a surgical technologist for over 10 yrs and went on to become an RN and I am in the process of pursuing my BSN. I love my job and I was merely asking if the facilities that you all work at pair up new nurses with seasoned nurses. I know there is so much knowledge to be passed from seasoned nurses to the new. I have found that some new nurses are rather how should I say....they think they are all that. I suppose I am hard on myself and feel I can be doing more for my patients. I am a strong patient advocate and I am proud of that. Have a great day everyone!

I finished the ADN program about 1 1/2 yrs ago. Thing is I still feel like I have so much to learn. I am an OR nurse. I feel so overwhelmed some days and then there are days where I feel everything went great. I wish where I worked at we had mentors that we could go to and talk about our day. What works in your facilities?

Quick question, when a trauma case goes straight to OR bypassing preop holding do you as the circulator document for preop nurse. How can you do that documentation when the code trauma goes straight into OR from the ED. Hope my question is not confusing.

New Nurse here.......I was wondering how long of an orientation new nurses had in the Operating Room? Mine was 8 wks.....I find it annoying because the Nurse Educator we have is not readily available. I feel there were things I missed out on and I have to go to some of the other nurses and ask about filling out certain paper work out. I feel overwhelmed at times. I then get answers like I learned this on my own and am made to feel stupid. Just annoyed.

canesdukegirl, that was a great post, i am a new circulator and found this extremely helpful. I still have to develop my little groove within the OR. I always feel overwhelmed especially when anesthesia wants to roll back with the patient quickly. I still take the time to check the chart and question the patient. it makes for a very stressful time.

Thanks a lot for the wonderful information. I will share it with classmates.

Today in lecture, we started covering cardiac meds. this is the first place I thought of once lecture was over. If anyone has any advice as to what will help me and my classmates remember this different meds, please reply. I have found this site and everyone who has ever replied to my posts. Thank you all.................

KKonrad, any word, are you starting this fall '09. let me know.......and where is it that you work? are you going to ftcc?