I hope every one is doing well! I need some advice/encouragment/something. I just started in the OR as a new nurse in September and am thinking of going to the floor. I am 29 and this is a second career for me. I'd like to think that time management is not my issue.
I don't know if it is just the OR I am working in or if it is every OR? But it is one of the most unprofessional harsh environments I have ever worked in. From the condesending staff(on all levels) to the unsafe practices (I was put on call for 11p-7a before I am even off orientation). I am just not sure if this normal or what. I really like the circulating role and want to continue.
I have to take call during orientation but it is with my preceptor. Its not bad because I am being trained in what is needed when called in adn what the procedures are.
I would never agree to call so soon...I would state that in the interest of patient safety, you should have six months under your belt first.
Okay...I've ALWAYS wanted to be an OR nurse. I got my chance and I felt the same way you did...I started in September at another hospital...(prior to that I was a PACU nurse that helped as a second circulator, but I didn't run my own room). So I was on the run in an OR with 18 rooms and I was never without my preceptor. But I felt like I never stopped running and I felt so overwhelmed...some NASTY, RUDE people no matter how nice I was. So I just decided to turn off "nice" and turn on my "game face"...those people laid off for the most part. In the OR, you have to prove yourself. Some places have high turnover and I think it's easier for some to treat you like you're already on the way out the door...NOT realizing (or maybe realizing) that they can be THE reason for your leaving...ugh! I am in a new place now, and whew there are some VERY unprofessional staff I work with (sorry, but mainly STs & I experienced this in the other two places I've worked). It is ticking me off, but I'm trying to let it roll off of me (this would be getting a tougher skin - it doesn't mean getting mean and nasty too...it's just about not playing into the drama and antics and YOU practicing the way you should. Sadly in my experience you can't change how others practice. And when you've been there longer you'll start to show how professional YOU are and you will set an example. I'm trying that...but I do plan to approach the director about things that are not being practiced as far as standards...it places the facility in a bad situation if standards are not followed...which in the end could cost them MORE $$$ than potentially getting rid of or "retraining" those who choose not to practice safely.
I have been told over and over...it takes 1-2yrs to become comfortable. I have worked as a floor nurse and I am telling you, if the OR is your true calling and your heart...you will be utterly MISERABLE as a floor nurse. As was mentioned before you'll have 6-7 patients per shift, not to mention the families, the numerous doctors to deal with...you feel so pulled...and then their are the mean and nasty staff to deal with on tope of that. Yes, they are everywhere. They cut corners and don't practice by standards on the floors either. After several run ins with nasty doctors and dealing with unsupportive fellow staff, I finally went to PACU and finally into the OR. I feel at home, although still nervous at times...but I feel more confident with each new experience. I also was lucky at this new facility that I was given three weeks in classroom orientation (AORN movies, reading, and eventually I am taking the Peroperative Test for AORN). I started scrubbing this week...I've never scrubbed before, but something I've always wanted to do. Very rewarding to me so far this week!
Another thing...focus on YOUR patient and again, be the ultimate pro...your patient will appreciate it...and realize you don't have to always impress your coworkers (and that's the problem, so many think you have to prove you're one of them and you are their to impress them only). I don't care...I care about my patient, his/her comfort and feeling relaxed. I dont' even give a rip if the Anesthesiologist likes me or not. I ALWAYS hold my patient's hand when they go off to sleep. I rub their shoulder and say nice things. As a PACU nurse, I learned that if they go off to sleep nervous and anxious, they will wake up that way. You can't take it all away, but knowing they have someoone they can trust while they are under, helps them feel much more relaxed.
I'm planning on going to a day/evening after orientation too...for the same reasons.
I just started an OR job back in July. I'd worked on the floor for 3 1/2 years and hated it. I finally got a job in the OR and love it. There's alot to learn, and alot of strong personalities, including the surgeons, but I can get along with anyone. I've been in the OR now for 5 months, and taking call by myself which is a little scary, but we rarely get called in. There is always an RN there at night, so it's not like you'd be all alone anyway. I would never go back to working on the floor. So give it a little more time and you'll see that the OR is a much better place to work than the floor.
Hi all! I have thought about going into the OR. Someone mentioned being 'on call.' I know what this means, and this may sound like a dumb question, but when you are 'on call' does that mean you have to go into the OR to help at say 3 o'clock in the morning? Is that where you have to go in in the middle of the night?? THANKS! Epona
Yes, if you are on call, you are required to come in and work anytime they tell you to, any time of day or night. Call is usually 24 hours, 7am to 7am.
The worst feeling is when you are on call, and you go to sleep at 11pm, only to be called in at 11:15pm. That SUCKS.
How often you will get called in depends on your OR's staffing levels. If it is well-staffed on evenings, nights, and weekends, you will rarely be called in. If it isn't well-staffed, you will be called in a lot.
Thanks Linda2097. I guess that rules out the OR for me then. I was interested in going into the OR, but I am on medications I have to take at certain times and I am cool from 9 AM- 12 midnight, but after mid-night I need to be in the bed and sleeping... can't do 'go to bed at 10 PM and get a call at 3 AM and have to go in'. No can do. That stinks. So I guess the OR is out then for me... learn something new everyday. Thanks very much for letting me know this! It was important for me to know this.
and then some!
frez
88 Posts
I have to take call during orientation but it is with my preceptor. Its not bad because I am being trained in what is needed when called in adn what the procedures are.
Frez