ChessieRN

I am considering a change from critical care/PACU to the operating room and could use some advice. What skills/traits should a nurse have to become an OR nurse? I have been reading the blogs about OR nursing, but alot of them have all the negative aspects....doctors yelling, heavy equipment, must be thick skinned, etc. Are there any cricital care nurses who have made the transition to the OR, and what do you like about it? Do you have to have a strong stomach to work in the OR? Believe me I have seen some gory stuff working in the ICU, but am alittle worried about the blood and guts of the OR. Also, truly how physically demanding is it? After spending years turning/bathing/moving 300 +lbs ICU patients, how does that compare to the physical demands of the OR? Any information to help me make this decision would be most appreciated. BTW...I have been a nurse for over 9 years, so I have the nursing/organization stuff down.

First of all, do not listen to this "so-called friend". She is expressing her own insecurities on you! Let me tell you my story...I too was a stay at home mom for 17 years...found myself in the middle of a nasty divorce with 3 sons, ages 9, 11, and 13. I was not a great student in high school, and dropped out of college after two years because I was bored, and hated it. I enrolled in the community college, did my pre-req's and got into the nursing program on the first shot. Yes, it was hard, but I loved it! I met new friends with similar interests, and we encouraged each other to push forward and succeed. Do not be discouraged, if this is a dream of yours to become a nurse, by all means move forward to attain that goal! To let you know how my story worked out...I graduated from the AA degree with honors,and a GPA of 3.8. Than after working for a few years, I went back and got my BSN, with a GPA of 4.0, and recently graduated with my MSN - GPA of 3.92. And my ex-husband always made me feel stupid too because I never finished college the first time and chose to stay home with my sons! If you find something you enjoy, you will excel at it, and when you do your self-confidence will soar! Do not give up on your dreams...nursing is a wonderful career choice, especially with a family as it allows for flexibility with your schedule, and the capacity to support yourself. GO FOR IT! PS...I was 40 when I became a RN, so you are never too old!