lostfromlatex

Cinja, I worked with an O.R. nurse who hung up her scrubs at 77 years old !!

Vikingkitten, You misunderstood me. I was merely making generalized statements regarding the "nature" of the operating room. This is an incredibly stressful environment and one should not take behaviors personally when the surgeon is reacting to the situation at hand, i.e a trauma/or case going downhill. I have spoken to the surgeon after the case in neutral territory, "the hallway", on several occasions regarding the manner to which he/she had spoken/treated me during the case and have had good responses to "calling them on their behavior. " The key is trying not to add fuel to the fire during the case. Afterall, we are there for that patient on the table and we need to rise above the "baby- having- a- temper- tantrum " in the room and keep things running smoothly until the patient is on their way to the PACU. If you are truly in danger from being physically assaulted, i.e., being cut by a scalpel, that is when immediate action needs to be implemented.

Excellent example ,,,,been there,done that

Scrubby, I am sorry you misunderstood my comment, I was merely adding a little levity to the situation. As for Satori's comment about "getting nasty back", completely unprofessional. We all have to remember that we are there for the patient lying on that o.r. bed. One thing to try to understand is not to take it personal. Nine times out of ten the surgeon is yelling at the situation. If he/she makes it personal, conduct yourself in a professional manner and finish the case. You can address this surgeon afterwards privately. You may try the approach that "I treat you with respect and expect it in return." This may or may not solve the problem, but you will have gained confidence in facing a person who can be intimidating. I wish you all the best!:welcome:

sorry for the error,,, Just say "Thank God I do not have to go home with this person"

Hey Pam, You need to get thick skin if you are going to make it in the O.R. Unfortunately, it is the nature of this beast. Rule #1. Say to yourself, "Thank God I do not have to home with this person Rule #2. Do not waste good mascara on anyone:lol2: Best of luck to you!

I do agree with the majority of the answers. I have always gotten a little hot under the collar, or in my case mumbling under my breath, when a big lump of bloody raytec are dumped into the kickbucket. About the people who miss the bucket on purpose,,, I once took a big piece of paper and drew a target on it and placed it under the kickbucket. I then asked the scrub,,,"Can you see it now?":angryfire

You absolutely did the right thing! Your charge nurse was wrong. Using a foley kit containing a latex catheter attached to the bag, means everything in that kit has been exposed to latex. If the patient has a severe latex allergy, you are putting that patient at risk using the kit and exchanging the catheter. Your charge nurse needs to be re-educated on this subject matter.

IsseyM, One of the first things I learned in my perioperative course was not to take things personally. Usually, the surgeon is reacting to the situation at hand. If it becomes personal, then you can address this person after the case if necessary... Two sayings I have lived by in this business.. 1) Don't waste good mascara on anyone 2) If the person/people you are working with are horrible, just say to yourself, "thank gosh I don't have to go home with these people" Good Luck!

I am sorry to hear about your situation.... I know I have been off the floor for many years, but where was your proper orientation? And how can a new grad be in a Charge position?

You will love the mountain views, but watch out for the "Javelinas" :welcome:

A good tip..the hand you are using to retract with, make sure you pull your hand upward, this will help expose the area. Also, the betadine will pool in the urethral opening. Good Luck!

:wink2: Thanks, TraumaRUs and everyone else for comments and information.!

Well , I will answer this with a little sarcasm... the hardest thing about O.R. nursing is working in a room for eight hours with someone you have very little respect for because of how they treat people.

Hi, I am an O.R. nurse with a progressive latex allergy. I am experiencing severe food allergies associated with latex. Does anyone know of a Latex-free O.R. ?? I am desperate to stay in my field. Thankyou