MrsMig

Hello I have recently accepted a school nurse position and I'm excited for the change from the high pressure specialty of the OR. I have been a nurse for 15 years and have had my BSN for 10 years. I've decided to go back to school for my MSN to increase my pay. Looking for insight on those who have done the same I.e. pros vs cons. I'm 55 and have 10-12 left in me to work and think, financially, it makes sense. Am I right? I think I found the program that best suits me $-wise and I'm also fortunate that my district will reimburse 8 credits per school year. Anyhow, any thoughts, suggestions or comments welcomed.

I agree, I wish I was being taught to scrub but only circulating. In our hospital it's just not feasable.

Interesting question and I never thought to ask that! It it because death doesn't scare me as I came from working Hospice the last 5 years or because I'm green in the OR with only 6 month experience?? @Rose_Queen provided such a great detailed response and I found it very insightful!

Hello As I previously mentioned, this is a small hospital so there is no set routine. With that said, I am finalizing periop on-line modules independently and being precepted elsewhere (OR and some PACU). I have one module left to complete and will start studying as I have until 5/26 to complete my 3 attempts to pass the final test. Honestly, I'm not a fan of the periop modules as modern technology has come so far but yet it seems antiquated in it's format but it's easy enough. I have the 2020 AORN Guidelines for Periop. In the OR, I have been trained as circulator in these specialties: Endoscopy, General, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, OB/GYN, and Podiatry. I am currently at my 6 month mark and am taking on-call solo with 'buddy call.' Of course, I still have lots to learn until I'm seasoned and confident. I think Ortho is the most overwhelming d/t positioning, implants & MD preferences and OB/GYN is also involved when multiple repairs need to be performed. We also do emergency c-sections as this hospital is just small. But I feel it's going well and I'm being told the same. Of course there's been times when I feel things didn't go smooth either on the preceptors side or mine but overall, I'm learning a lot and the group I work with are dedicated and knowledgeable. Any tips or tid-bits of knowledge?

My original post I mistyped so I edited it. I had CNOR (goals) on the brain but I'm in Peri Op 101. Sorry for the confusion!

Any recommendations for a good study guide?

I just don't understand why some of the nursing community is not supportive. Yes some are but some are just down right mean and not supportive and it boggles me because we all benefit when we succeed and it's about the patient!! Anyhow, I wish you luck. I honestly believe you can do anything you put your mind to. I'm a new OR nurse - just 3 months now and the small hospital who hired me took a chance on me with no OR experience and I'm so grateful for it and dare I say, I'm killing it ?

@Rose_Queen - thank you! I was wondering as I saw they were texts books. I just started training this week in the OR of a small hospital. I have a preceptor and have been told we will start periop soon so I'm trying to get an idea of what's to come so that I may be prepared. I guess I will have to wait and see.

@RickyRescueRN Were those text books you mentioned a recommendation from the periop program or a preceptor? Did you use them in conjunction to the program ?

What state are u from? 9 weeks is loooong! Lol. I was the sole nurse for 180 campers and about 35 counselors! For only 2 weeks...How do I get a camp to realize they need to hire more staff?

Wow, so many of these responses are well thought out and just all around valid complaints. Thanks you all.

I'm curious to hear how everyone is doing? As you saw from my diabetic thread, I had that issue to contend with. No major (knock on wood) issues. Had a counselor pass out; toe nail ripped off that then became infected and have since learned that is fractured; strep throat; horrible virus (cold sx's) outbreak; and the other usuals. Overall I enjoyed and was able handle my first camp experience but man do I have long days! Up @ 7am and going all day and shut down @10pm and tell everyone 'don't come unless you are dying!' Lol. I was woken in the middle if the night several times until I snapped and told everyone 'no' (silly reasons) I'm exhausted but luckily leave Saturday. Two weeks is plenty for me...or if there is another camp where I get more breaks?? Anyhow, So much more to say but I must go as I have visitors (shocker)...oh and TONS of home sickness from older girls! Cheryl, RN (passed my boards..new initials)

Thanks for all the replies. The short version? I had the parents obtain a MD order stating meter and strips should be on her at all times and that she is monitoring BGS w/o medical supervision (as they wanted her to randomly check in). All insulins, sharps & waste are kept with me. So far, so good. She's actually very capable ...but as you all know, it goes beyond that in this type of setting. Oh and my camp director was useless. I just took control as I got no guidance from anyone... Soooo although it worked out, I wonder if this is the place for me long term??! Any how, thanks again!