red2ret

Or simply ask if they are willing to receive a blood transfusion, if needed. You don't have to ask the patient's religion then.

This thread is pretty funny, though I feel bad for those that have had their feelings hurt. I know I have said some insensitive things to others and have had to apologize for hurting their feelings. I nursing school I was on my home health rotation when I went to visit an elderly man who had just been in the hospital. He greeted me at the door with a kiss and asked me if I was going to wash his member like the nurse in the hospital did. I was young and inexperienced and didn't know how to handle any of this. That was in 1981. I have spent much of my career in the OR. I have been known to ask my prone awake male patients if anything needs adjusted before they receive sedation and we get started. Most say no and fix their friends themselves. Some will reply with are you going to adjust it for me?? And I say yes, if that's what you need to be comfortable before we start. I also have the ladies make sure their breasts are ok when they are prone before the sedation. All that is just me making sure no one has an intraoperative tissue injury that I could have prevented. On the other hand, I have also been known to tell a nervous guy, don't fart, I'm going to fluff the covers! Then the patient laughs and the mood is lightened.

I would say the PACU sounds right up your alley! Go for it! I worked 27 years in OR and appreciate and respect a skilled PACU nurse. Usually the PACU takes call, so take that into account when you make your decision.

I am too late to comment on your initial question, however...I love my SCR job. After 28 years in the OR, 18 at my current hospital, I had misgivings about transferring to this job. It has turned out to be such a blessing for me. Flexibility, no call, no surgeons yelling at me and it is easier on my aging body.

I have spent the majority of my career in the OR. I love it, always have, always will. It is hard work, though and as I have aged my body has become less willing to endure the work load. I was lucky enough about two years ago to be able to take my OR skills to a desk job doing clinical review. Now this is a job I can finish out my career doing. I get to use my knowledge while my body gets a break.