brindlenurse

I began my nursing career (second degree) in ER nursing and knew almost instantly that was the wrong area for me. The patients and high stress quickly burnt me out. Switch to the OR and I loved it at first..6 months later the staff, on call requirements, distance to work are burning me out. My old ED mates joked the OR staff would be tough but my god half the time there's so much gossip or pettiness, etc. Every time I'm in the break room, people are complaining; people snap at you even knowing you're learning. We have some of the lowest on call rate in the area. Our manager constantly sends staff home the minute we're light on cases so we are forced to use our vacation time or go unpaid. Surgeons screaming is not a rarity, and if they're not screaming they whine or complain. Help, Allnurses I don't know what to do. I signed a contract for 3 years..it does include pre procedural and PACU if they allow me to switch but I just don't know...maybe it's just me?

hey! Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I, too, started disliking nursing school while in school but finished anyway. I am considering switching to the OR, but was wondering if maybe in fact I should move towards more non-nursing. Could we maybe talk?

Ive been working in an ER for about 8 months now. First RN job out of school, second degree, etc. Its the busiest ER in my state. And I loathe going to work everyday. I feel anxious days before I have to go back. While I recognize Im still fairly new, I have worked in healthcare for 4 years now, and think its the ER that is just not a great fit. I've found I want less patient interaction, less risk at my fingertips. Its all too stressful. I've even started regretting becoming a nurse. I have two opportunities right now...one is working in the OR, with a 3 year contract. One is working for Ashfield Healthcare talking to patients on the phone about their drugs and cataloguing adverse events for pharm companies....two VERY different career paths. No idea which to choose. I fear I hate my current job so much I cant think clearly. HELP.

Hello all, So I am currently completing my BSN in a second degree program. During the last 3 years, I have been working as a Unit Secretary/PCT at a trauma 2 hospital near my house. I think I would like to be an OR nurse, and this hospital offers an OR nurse fellowship (and accepts new grads). I've spoken to a few people in our OR, and was basically told I would be accepted, except they are on a hiring freeze until we launch EPIC in March. I graduate August 1 of this year. They do have numerous Operating Assistant positions open now however....my question to you is this- should I see if HR will allow me to take one of these positions and wait until this fellowship opens up/get experience in the OR? Or should I just look elsewhere? This hospital is 20 min from my home and I know it and the people here very well. It also offers a pension after being an employee here 5 years. Thanks in advance!