henrysnana

Does your hospital have a policy on call exemption for surgery staff, based on age, service years, etc.? We've had a policy for years that offered exemption after age 55 but due to demands and lack of staff, the policy is being changed. Would appreciate any feedback.

Our hospital PR dept. has told us (OR personnel) that we must follow the hospital policy dress code, which states no shorts, cropped pants, jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops, etc. For years our people have come to work in very casual clothing since as soon as we arrive, we change into scrubs that must be professionally laundered. I am interested in knowing what other hospitals are doing as far as dress codes for OR personnel going to/leaving work.

I'd be interested in more info on the group you're developing. I have worked in the OR for >30 yrs. with many hrs. in plastics. Are you anticipating work as pvt. duty, office, or where? Do you know what the nurses in ENG. are doing differently if credentialed in Plastics?

reply to karinerock: I would be very interested in any advice you could give me, and American RN (diploma-3yrs) who works in the OR (Theatre) and would like to work in France, preferably a private practice. Are there ever private duty nursing jobs in private homes? I'm just trying to live out a life-long dream before I retire...

I agree with mikethern, many OR nurses are not happy with their jobs, or any nurses, for that matter. It's a hard profession. I'd highly recommend going into the scrub tech program for 1 yr. if your interest is surgery. That way, you can find out whether or not it's really what you're expecting & not waste 4 yrs. if it turns out that you really don't like it. And where I live, starting pay for techs is closer to $10. Not much, but at least you'd know for sure if that's the route you want to pursue for a career. Then, if you find out that is indeed what you want, you could go to RN school. The experience you'll get as a scrub tech will be invaluable if you do pursue the nursing career.

I would think that if plastic surgeons were doing surgery in their office, especially with general anesthesia or sedation, states would mandate that an RN is required. I know that where I live in Texas, all of the docs (plastic) have RN's who work in their offices, and some of them scrub also, tho they don't take call after hours. The pay is based on experience, but usually lower than hospital pay.

CIRQL8: I was specifically referring to lady partsl & perineal preps. We never considered Phisohex as an effective prep solution, but there's not many choices outside betadine.

I am looking for a safe prep for mucous membranes in patients allergic to iodine. I have recently heard of a product called Techni-Care. I would be interested in any comments by users in the OR. Thanks!