Switching from OR to ED

[FraserRN, BSN]

Hey everyone!

I have been working in the OR for 7 months at a level 1 trauma center. While I have learned so much in the OR, I really crave more patient interaction and would like to build more nursing skills (assessment, IVs, NGs, EKG interpretation, etc.). I also am not feeling that the OR is a good fit for me, despite good reviews and positive feedback from management and coworkers. I get told I am doing great, but internally I am feeling really stressed and just plain dumb most days! From what I have heard, it takes a year to feel better in the OR and 2-3 years to feel comfortable. Has anyone left the OR and gone to the floor, ICU, or ED that could tell me about their experiences? My two main interests are ICU and ED. I'm afraid I might be leaving too soon, before I have given it a fair enough shot. But I also feel really drawn to more direct patient care.

Thanks for taking the time to read this ?

[TXRN2004]

I’ve not worked in OR, so I can’t comment on that part. I did work as an RN for over 12 years in ER (different specialty now). The skills you list you can definitely develop in a ER. However, I’d highly recommend shadowing or cross training before making the switch. The ER can be brutal. High volume, often little or no breaks, often understaffed, high ratios, often thankless. Don’t get me wrong, the ER holds a special place for me (hence the 12+ years), but it really does take a lot out of you. It’s a special kind of beast ?

[skydancer7, BSN, RN]

I have been in the OR almost 10 years. Went to med-surg, lasted 10 months. Personally, the floor is NOT for me. If you can stick it out another few months and get a solid year in the OR, you will have a strong resume and can always fall back on OR if you want to in the future. I love the fact that the patients are asleep, to be honest. But if you really want more patient interaction, go for it!