usnwbama

gwendelyn, Sorry to hear that, but I'm sure you'll be much happier. RN4L, I actually got a totally separate offer at an ambulatory surgery center and I took it.

I have been a nurse for 5 years (the majority of that time as a preop, circulating, pacu RN in the plastic surgery ambulatory surgery setting). I have been offered a job as an OR circulator in the inpatient hospital about 25 min away. 11a-7:30p M-F plus call. I've also been offered a job as a circulator at an ASC that is 45 min away from home. 7a-3:30p M-F no call. Have any of you ASC circulators once worked in the hospital OR? Which do you prefer? My only concern is my lack of experience with any specialty other than plastics and the ASC being a very fast-paced environment. Also, it doesn't sound as if my orientation will be ideal. But...I really like the sound of no call. Any advice?

I just finished reading a lengthy thread about OR pet peeves. I want to know what everyone loves about being an OR nurse. Do the pros of your job outweigh the negatives?

Thanks for your response. I want it, but I'm just not confident I can do it. I don't think I handle stress very well. I'm the type of person that wants to hear something once and do it perfect the next time. In past jobs, I've been able to do that pretty well. I know that won't happen with this job and because of that, I think I will be really hard on myself...which will just cause added stress. Oh...and call. I'm not looking forward to that....but who is, I guess. Maybe I'm talking myself out of taking this position and leaning toward the plastics position because that's what I'm comfortable doing and I'm trying to take the easy way out. I know you guys don't care about all of this, but it's therapeutic to talk about...and my family doesn't understand. & I'm also hoping one of you will make the decision for me. Ha...kidding.

I have been an RN for 5 years, mainly in the plastic surgery ambulatory surgery setting as a circulator and PACU nurse. I love it. Little stress and it's easy to learn a small number of doctor's preferences and read their minds like they want you to. I just moved out of state so I've been job searching. I have 2 great offers. One is with a plastic surgery ambulatory surgery center. M-F. No call. The cons: 1 hour drive and possible long hours. The other opportunity is with the hospital OR. I have zero experience in the hospital OR. But from my understanding, you have to have some pretty thick skin. I do not! I let things bother me and I get stressed out by thinking about it non-stop. I take things too personally and can't let things just roll off my shoulders. I think this is a great and rare opportunity that could open up many doors for me in the future (the main reason I'm considering it...plus the pay), but I'm just not confident that it's for me. I guess I need you experienced OR nurses to tell me if a thin-skinned person can survive in the OR. Do you know any circulating OR nurses like me? Or are you one? Have you survived and how? Thank you in advance for your time!

Plastics is very difficult to get into. After my first year as a nurse (med-surg), I decided I wanted to get into plastics. I randomly sent my resume out. After a few months, I got the call. I took the position and fell in love! I eventually moved out of state and tried to do the same (send out my resume) with no luck. The nurses at these places love this type of nursing so much...they will stay until they retire. I know I would have. As mentioned, I had no prior OR or PACU experience. I was lucky enough to work with a fantastic CRNA that taught me so much. She would also never leave me if I felt uncomfortable with the patient. Even when she did leave, the doctor and the rest of the staff (scrub techs) were still in the facility if I needed anything. So, my opinion differs somewhat of the other post. Plastic surgeon's will hire an RN without experience because they can mold you into what they want you to be. If you have previous experience, it may be hard to change old ways and old habits. Plastics docs want things done THEIR way b/c it's their practice. I helped the doc when hiring a new nurse after me. He tried out a nurse with hospital OR experience; however, fired her a week later b/c she wouldn't change old habits. He then hired a nurse who had one year of med-surg experience. She is still working there and working out great. So, I say go for it. If you have a great staff who is willing to teach, you will have no problems.

Those of you who have finished the program, how long did it take you? I saw the post saying it could take 2 years, but considering it is self directed I wanted to get an idea of how fast it can actually be completed (sooner than 2?). Please share your experiences. I having been doing much research on online NP schools and this one is currently in the lead. Thanks!

I am a circulator and recovery nurse for a plastic surgeon. What you're describing sounds like what our patient coordinator does (who is an RN)...except she doesn't get a percentage and she's not really selling it. When patients come in to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon, they've usually made up their mind to have the surgery and don't need someone to "sell" it to them. Our Patient Coordinator basically discuses how much the surgery will be and schedules the surgery. She also answers many questions and concerns that the patient may have. The scrub techs as well as myself are the ones that go over the consent forms before surgery, size BA patients, and describe in detail what each patient can expect before, during, and after surgery. We also do blood work if it's needed. The patient coordinator doesn't really use an nursing skills...basically just talking with patients. Hopefully this helps...

I actually just got hired to work for a plastic surgeon. I'm training to circulate in the OR and do recovery. Loving it so far.

I have been an RN for just over a year...working on a pediatric med/surg unit. I'm now looking for a change and am really considering the OR. I would love to hear why you all chose the OR and what you like about it...Thanks!