duckbajr

I personally moved from OR to SICU. The transition was a little rough, but it turned out pretty good. I love my new area and new hospital. After working at a Level 1 trauma center OR for 4 years, I basically ditched all my basic nursing skills and became an surgery/procedure oriented RN. Therefore, keeping track of I&O and checking new orders were challenging tasks once I started in SICU. It took me 4 months to finish the orientation, and some days I felt I was even worse than a nursing student in terms of nursing skill; but finally got a hank of things here after orientation. I was hired at another Level 1 trauma center SICU, things are even better at the new place. Friendly co-workers and generous manager were a big plus during my transition. Yes, OR nursing is very different than other areas, and that's why some ICU nurses feel OR nurses know "nothing" (especially when ICU nurses trying to get report from OR nurses). OR nurses are good at putting in foley, and we are good at setting up and assisting bedside procedure. Surgeons usually are impressed that you got everything prepared for them.