ORNerd

Like the previous poster said, utilization of the call team is going to depend on the facility. As far as feeling overwhelmed, that feeling will lessen as time goes on. It is generally accepted that it takes 1-2 years to feel competent as an OR nurse, more if you are working an off shift. Knowing your resources is extremely important. Knowing who to call, when, and for what, will be tremendously helpful. When I was new, I used down time to pick cases for the next day. That helped me learn and remember where items were; extremely important when you need to run for something during a trauma. I also checked the trauma rooms to make sure they were stocked and ready just in case. I was also fortunate to work with a group of very experienced nurses. They taught me so much about circulating and scrubbing a variety of trauma cases. I could go to them for anything. We also just worked really well together and helped each other out in each others cases.

I used to work 3 12’s overnight at a level I trauma center. There were 6 of us all night; usually 3 nurses and 3 scrub techs. The shift started by finishing cases that were still going from the day. Some nights there would be add-on cases to go and we’d be busy all night. Lots of transplant, ortho, neuro, free flaps, etc. Emergencies would be craniotomies, lap appys, lap choles, ectopics, gsws, bring back free flaps, etc. We’d also test the autoclaves, pick cases for the next day, set up rooms, and put supplies away. And like the previous poster said, we’d also watch TV, play on our phones, read, and snack, haha. We tried to avoid using call teams unless we absolutely had to. If all 6 people were in a room and a trauma came in, the call team would have to come in.

I'd take the L&D job if it was me.

When I worked inpatient I wrote down my patients, their injury/surgery (I worked ortho), any relevant medical history, tests they needed that day, medication times, etc. That gave me an overall plan for the day. However, things could and did change once I went to see my patients and assess them. They might need pain meds, nauseous, or heaven forbid, starting to crap out (it's happened). Give yourself an idea of how the day should be organized and then roll with the punches as they come. Always prioritize!

20 miles, takes about 25 minutes. During rush hour, it can take me 45 minutes to an hour. My previous job was about 15-20 minutes but I lived in a snowy area and my commute could easily take much longer than that in bad weather. I personally would not drive more than 45 minutes to a job but I understand why people would be willing to commit to long commutes.

I don't think that exists...

It might be awkward but do you want to be stuck on a unit that you see no future on? It is what it is, don't feel obliged to continue working there because of awkwardness and poor staffing if you leave. Pursue the specialty you want. Managers should expect that a portion of their staff will eventually move on to other things, and it's their job to fill in the gaps of those that do so. Where I used to work, it was courteous to let the manager know that we had applied for another position so she could start to think ahead to hiring someone else, and so she wouldn't be caught of guard when the manager from the prospective unit called to inquire about the employee. Just tell your manager you have applied for a position in a specialty that intrests you and you think will do good things for your career. Then put your 2 week notice in if and when you get the new job. Don't withdraw another application of the opportunity might disappear!

I used to work on an inpatient orthopedic unit and yes, I did a lot of heavy lifting. Spine patients who can't roll and need to be boosted up in bed multiple times a shift, ankle or femur fractures who need help to the commode, etc. and if they were overweight it was a real challenge. We relied on each other a lot for help with moving people! Having an upper extremity fracture patient was a dream.

Where I used to live, I was able to get a job at a level I trauma center, teaching hospital, etc. with my ADN. However, it was at a slightly lower wage than new hires with their BSN. I completed my BSN and got a new job in a new state, similar hospital. This one does hire ADN grads as well but only under the agreement that a BSN will be completed within a specified time frame. Like others have said, it depends on your area. Job opportunities for ADN grads are becoming more linited, sadly.

My husband and I had our first son (unexpectedly) when I was in my ADN program. I had 2 semesters left. We made it work but I have to be honest, it wasn't easy. My DH and I worked and went to school on opposite schedules and we were lucky enough to have additional childcare support from my parents and sister. I finished with my ADN on time in 2012 and have since completed my BSN and had another baby. My boys are 3 and 1/2 years apart and I would've liked them to be a little close in age but I knew we had to wait until life was a little more predictable. The bottom line is that yes it is possible to make it work, but you will need lots of determination and support. Good luck!

I personally do not like rotating shifts and it was a major reason why I went to straight nights at my first job (only option, day/evening shift was granted based on availability and seniority). That said, if it was a PRN position it might be different. As long as it was only a few shifts a month and a few days after coming off of a night shift, I would probably do it, especially if it was somewhere I was interested in.

I'd never heard of MUSC until I moved to SC.

I didn't fail out entirely but I did have to repeat my psych nursing semester after I failed that class by 2 points. It was an ADN program and I felt like I was never going to finish it. Well I did, graduated in December 2012, passed NCLEX the first time, got my BSN in May 2015, and am starting an OR job next month. I agree with the LPN then LPN-RN route. That's your best bet. Best wishes!

I didn't place IV's while in school, I learned on the job. I did get to practice on a few fake arms prior to the real thing, though.

I used a sleep mask, earplugs, and had a fan on. I also used black out curtains and had my phone on silent. I was never able to sleep before the first night shift so I always ended up being awake for 24 hours, which was rough. Drink coffee at the beginning of your shift but don't drink it too late in your shift or you might have trouble sleeping afterwards. Try and go to bed as soon as you get home. I knew girls that would work out after a night shift, go shopping, etc. and I have no idea how they had the energy to do that! Drink water and eat as healthy as you can. Easier said than done though-more than once I had healthy snacks with me and I went to the vending machine for some Cheetos instead! Good luck, I loved working nights, they can be a lot of fun!