Starting to feel burned out

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I've been working in the OR for over seven years. About two years ago, I transferred to the CVOR team. Since then, we've seen our staff numbers drop by 25%, meaning that those of us that are left are taking call anywhere from four to six days a week (combination of end of shift to start of next shift- 16 hour or 64 hour weekend plus the "loser list" that gets stuck if more than one heart room is running).

The amount of call is causing other people to start looking elsewhere, and I'm finding myself tempted to do the same. The thing is, I absolutely love what I do, I love the people I work with (it's not their fault staff are leaving), and I love my boss (who has been a godsend with pitching in to help cover the obscene amount of call).

However, there's also some pretty big disadvantages: my hospital pays a heck of a lot lower for being on call than every hospital in the county and also neighboring counties (we get $2/hr, the other local hospital pays $4/hr, and a hospital in the neighboring county pays $6/hr, $10/hr if taking more than 2 call shifts per week).

We've interviewed several people for the open positions, but none of them have a) made a good impression; b) shown up for the interview after hearing they need to be within 20 minutes when on call and how much call is required; c) decided the job would not be a good fit after spending a day shadowing; or d) some combination of the above. That's another frustration to deal with.

There's also been talk of other changes coming down in time, none of which are supported by the team, because basically it would mean we'd be getting the short end of the stick- so badly that we'd rather deal with the insane call and staffing shortage than accept the changes.

So I guess I'm just looking for support and advice as to whether I should stick it out in hopes that it gets better since I really love what I do and the team I work with, or if I should start looking around.

(P.S. Anyone seriously looking to join a CVOR team, PM me. I just might be able to help you out ;))

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Specializes in APRN, ACNP-BC, CNOR, RNFA.
I've been working in the OR for over seven years. About two years ago, I transferred to the CVOR team. Since then, we've seen our staff numbers drop by 25%, meaning that those of us that are left are taking call anywhere from four to six days a week (combination of end of shift to start of next shift- 16 hour or 64 hour weekend plus the "loser list" that gets stuck if more than one heart room is running). The amount of call is causing other people to start looking elsewhere, and I'm finding myself tempted to do the same. The thing is, I absolutely love what I do, I love the people I work with (it's not their fault staff are leaving), and I love my boss (who has been a godsend with pitching in to help cover the obscene amount of call). However, there's also some pretty big disadvantages: my hospital pays a heck of a lot lower for being on call than every hospital in the county and also neighboring counties (we get $2/hr, the other local hospital pays $4/hr, and a hospital in the neighboring county pays $6/hr, $10/hr if taking more than 2 call shifts per week). We've interviewed several people for the open positions, but none of them have a) made a good impression; b) shown up for the interview after hearing they need to be within 20 minutes when on call and how much call is required; c) decided the job would not be a good fit after spending a day shadowing; or d) some combination of the above. That's another frustration to deal with.There's also been talk of other changes coming down in time, none of which are supported by the team, because basically it would mean we'd be getting the short end of the stick- so badly that we'd rather deal with the insane call and staffing shortage than accept the changes.So I guess I'm just looking for support and advice as to whether I should stick it out in hopes that it gets better since I really love what I do and the team I work with, or if I should start looking around.(P.S. Anyone seriously looking to join a CVOR team, PM me. I just might be able to help you out ;))
I'm just going to throw a few things out there. It sounds like you're having a hard time making a decision because you love the people you work with. Since money is no object, at least it doesn't sound like it, what about your quality of life? Believe it or not, your director has the ability to increase the call pay, and they should. Your CV call pay is less that what most places in my area pay for general call. Gather your co-workers, and present all the research about what the other hospitals are paying, how much call is required, and all the other perks those other folks are getting. If your director can't or won't do everything in their power to get the pay rate raised, then your situation won't change. If that's unsatisfactory to you, then you can always meet your old buddies for happy hour, after leaving your new job that pays better and requires less call.
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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Unfortunately, I also have to consider that if I leave my job, I have to pay back all the tuition reimbursement I've already received, plus I probably won't be eligible for tuition reimbursement at a new job, meaning I'd have to take out loans for school. I've been on call this weekend, and (knock on wood) so far so good. I think I just needed to really get those feelings out and get a little perspective doing it, and I'm ready for this week (which is nowhere near as heavy on call as last week was). Things will get better when we finally start seeing some decent applicants and can get someone oriented and into the call rotation. Other solutions were kind of thrown around about having some of the newer folks in other parts of the OR come help us out, so hopefully there's some light at the end of the tunnel.

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I'm fairly new to the site so I wasnt sure how to go about private messaging, but your topic sparked my interest - and I was hoping I could pick your brain. I m a fairly new RN - grad may 11 and have been working in an ER for the last year. Out of school I had high hopes of getting into an OR. but no such luck so I took the ER position. A year later, although I ve learned tons, I find myself still wanting to be in the OR however I m hitting many road blocks when it comes to applying because many hospitals want a candidate who has 2+ years experience in the OR, in your opinion what our my odds getting a call back. I would greatly appreciate any input/insight.

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, OR.

Contact AORN (search on web) and find out what hospitals in your area offer OR internships. That will be the best way to get an inroad.

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That is sad but you need to do what is best for you and your family. I live in Maryland and the Center that I just joined has openings and we work 4 days a week for 10 hours a day. No nights, weekends or holidays. You should be wise and start looking NOW just incase things go south and you are out of work or in a very bad perdicament. Best of luck to you, and if you would like info about the Center (Maryland) that I work at please send me a message.

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