RobtheORNurse

I am a nurse educator, MSN in Nursing education. I left the OR nearly 10 years ago after 25 years because my facility had no openings and no mobility options. I went to the medical device industry for much more opportunity for advancement, able to use my degree/ training, respect that was not found in the hospital. Now, on to when I looked at teaching at the local university, my alma mater, that offered an instructor position, full time, for $55,000.00/ year. Sorry, but I have bills to pay and mouths to feed. When salary is what it should be for nursing instructors, more will go into that area. Until then, I will stay in the device industry as an educator and where salary has no cap that I have seen, bonuses are paid, and the opportunity to develop new products for patient care is unlimited.

This is just a phase of the bigger issue of the on going shortage. We have worked short staffed for over a decade, everyone is burned out to some degree, and this just added fuel to the fire. Hospitals have had years to fix the issue and refused, instead worrying about the bottom line, building new buildings, bonuses for administrators etc. The refusal to hire new grads, all the while complaining that there are not enough nurses. I can go on, but this is not a new problem. Until administrators start truly listening to nurses, and fixing the issues related to poor treatment of nurses, it will continue. I left bedside nursing after 30 years because I was tired of the constant on call e had to do, which was really mandatory overtime because we never left the hospital when on call, and worked right through the regular shift, call shift and following regular shift. Often being at work in excess of 24 hours at a time. Couple that with uncaring management and administration, as well as HR, who called us to ask why we were getting so many worked hours and pay. They never fixed the issue. The result, in a 6 month period of time, 70% of the nursing staff in my OR left. Then they were in a real shortage, causing cancellation of cases, closure of rooms etc. I now have a great job in the device industry, am valued for my expertise and knowledge. I have been hoe for every holiday and family event. Don't need to get approval for a vacation a year in advance and the pay is about 1/3 higher than working in a hospital. Why would a nurse stay in those conditions?

Personally, I am tired of being asked constantly. If someone doesn't want to be around, they are free to leave

It happens, chalk it up as a learning experience. Know how to treat it, elevate secure airway, elevate the legs above the heart provide care as indicated.

Not every person can wear an N-95 respirator. The option is to use a Powered Air Purifying Respirator, PAPR. The Occupational Health Nurse should be able to discuss this with you.

AORN Guidelines state no artificial nails and nails should be trimmed to no more than 0.5 cm in length. AORN 2018 Guidelines

There are geographic shortages. Georgia has a severe nursing shortage. Where I live, there is a nursing school on every corner it seems and there are few job openings. So the answer is Yes and No.

I will be there. I work for a device company (Buffalo Filter)and I will be presenting In- booth education at Booth 839. Come by and lets meet

I spent 35 hours at work one time because i was on call and never got to leave after my scheduled shift, worked all afternoon and all night. When day shift came in, the manager said she had no relief for us and that they were short staffed and e could not go home. We had to work our regular shift that day too before going home. This is why it is hard to run an OR and keep staff. Nurses are, too often, treated as machines and not people.

Don't be afraid to go elsewhere for career advancement. Many hospitals have very low advancement potential because when a person gets into a management position, they tend to stay put for awhile. I had the same issue where I worked, Everyone was the same age and went to nursing school together so unless someone retired or died, there was no chance to move up. I left the OR for the industry side and love it. I miss patient care but not the hospital politics, call and holiday work. Look around and see what is out there that you may like. Medical device companies LOVE operating room nurses because of our expertise in multiple areas and the pay an benefits are far more than any hospital offer.

I was 47 when I finished my BSN, Had my ADN for years before going back.

I travel to hospitals all over the world and have seen OR's in every level from Basement to top floor.

Don't worry, you can do this. I am finishing my masters and I am WAY past 37.

Most people I know worked while in nursing school. i worked full time nights and went to school full time days, had 2 kids at the time and was married. My wife worked days so we had to pay day care along with everything also. We were poor by our standards now but now are both BSNs and working on MSNs, kids are grown and we are way past 40. You got this.

Makalah, I agree with the other respondents as far as courses in a program, you may want to reach out to a local hospital human resources department as well. Many hospitals have programs for high school students where they can shadow a nurse or spend time with a nurse educator to learn more about the profession. Your guidance counselor in school may also be a great resource. Good luck, keep us posted here, I always like to hear when someone reaches their goals and dreams.