Questions about OR/CVOR

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 22, 2013

1. What types of shifts do you usually work in the OR/CVOR? 12 hours? I know day surgery typically works 8 hour shifts - what is it in the hospital setting? 3-12's? 5-8's? 4-10's?

This will be completely dependent on the facility. Some facilities may offer a combination; some may have a second shift dedicated CVOR team; others may only staff day shift. My facility offers only 8 hour day shift for CVOR team members.

2. Do you mainly use sedatives or anesthesia in most of your surgies?

Anesthesia is present for each and every case. Patients generally receive inhalational anesthetics when not on cardiopulmonary bypass; they may receive either propofol IV or inhalational anesthetics via the bypass pump during cardiopulmonary bypass. Usually depends on propofol availability as it's been in and out of national backorder.

3. For on-call? How many days a week are you mandated to be on-call?

As with shifts, this will be completely facility dependent. Some may have dedicated second shift requiring only third shift call; some may have every single OR staff member rotate into CVOR rooms and take call; others may have only a small dedicated team who covers all call. My facility is a team of 10 dedicated CVOR staff. Three are on call from the time we leave until the start of the next shift. We also have a second call team available until 1730; however, if both teams are still working, the second call team may be stuck past the end of their call period. Currently on call 2-3 days per week plus one weekend a month (generally; can vary due to vacations/sick time).

4. What are some pros and cons of OR?

Many threads already exist:

https://allnurses.com/operating-room-nursing/nurse-pros-cons-799682.html

https://allnurses.com/operating-room-nursing/to-not-nurse-700092.html

https://allnurses.com/operating-room-nursing/what-do-you-783501.html

https://allnurses.com/operating-room-nursing/open-heart-team-344378.html