Shortage of OR Nurses

[walktheline]

Hi, Everyone:

I have 2 questions:

1. I have read many posts that say that there is a shortage of OR nurses. Can anyone tell me why that is?

2. I have been reading that OR/Circulating nurses only concentrate on one patient at a time, but I thought that a Circulator is in charge of many different OR rooms at once and goes in and out of all of these rooms to see what is needed. Would someone please clear this up for me?

Thanks.

[inspir8tion]

There are states that require a circulating nurse to oversee more than one room at a time. Anyone can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe Minnesota and Connecticut are two examples. This practice is dangerous to the patient and there are people that are trying to make it required in all states that there is only one patient per RN.

I have worked in the OR for about 2 years and it is exhausting, physical work. But I steal the line from the Peace Corps that says "it is the toughest job you'll ever love". And you HAVE to love it or you are going to be miserable. I am seriously considering leaving my hospital OR for a surgical center where they do not have the heavy cases. But I am sure I will miss those heavy cases and the trauma cases once I leave.

Operating room nurses are specialized, needing specific training. There are times when you will be dealing with difficult people; whatever member they are of the team. AORN is working to change the culture in the OR from the "captain of the ship" mentality to one of mutual respect.

Also, operating room nurses (I believe) are the only nurses that have their own language; PNDS (Perioperative Nursing Data Set). This is exciting; blazing a trail for other nurse specialties to have their own language. Cementing the fact that nursing is a profession and not just a job.

It might be a good idea for you to join AORN. They give you much information that is very useful.

Good luck!

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

Wow, that's pretty horrifying that some states would allow the practice of circulating multiple rooms at a time:eek:...IMO, this is dangerous to both patients and the nurses license. Remind me to never go work for those 2 states!