Tell me about life in the OR... Good, Bad, Everything!

offlabel · Nov 28, 2018

Team work, insults, personal triumphs, humiliating mistakes, hilarious comments in the face of disaster, life saving shoe string catches that no one else, including the ones "most responsible for the patient" caught by the most unlikely person...you know...the usual...

Catsweeney · Nov 28, 2018

Hi there! I'm currently a surgical tech and in nursing school for my RN, with plans to continue to work in the OR as an RN when I'm done. I've learned that you either love or hate the OR. There's really no in between. I know that I found my "place" when I started in the OR. It's a different kind of stress and work flow from the floors. I love my job and it's something new every day. Surgeons can be rude, condescending, and nasty especially when you get started but I have learned to not take things personally. You do need a tough skin to work in the OR but I've found I've developed that over time. I was so so scared when I first started in clinicals and stuff as a student but you always have someone with you. Because of that, you really learn to get more comfortable and confident. Have you ever observed in the OR? You may be able to observe for a couple of hours in the OR if you work in a hospital. You'll be able to get a little taste of what you're getting into.

kiki617 · Dec 9, 2018

just a reminder that at the end of the day, do what is right for you. I listened to too many people years ago and I regret some decisions I've made in my career. With that being said, here's my two cents (and I apologize that its a bit negative). I'm a surgical tech and I like the OR. I don't love it. I changed to pediatrics which has been a way better fit for me and I love the cases we do. It is cool to see that part for sure. Will I stay in the OR as a nurse, maybe. But I can tell you that surgical techs are incredibly underpaid for the amount of work, both physical and mental, that you are required to do. You rarely get a thank you and you are often the one that gets the brunt of the issues the doc may have with the nurse or resident or sales rep or whatever. You will grow a thick skin over time but sometimes I question if its been worth it bc of that, because of chronically being dehydrated, having varicose veins way too young, to being sick and hurt bc of lack of support in the OR from administrators who don't have a clue and won't spend the $ or spare the two mins in turnover time to provide the proper equipment to move a patient or heavy equipment. I used to think none of these things would bother me, and some days are better than others, but over time it gets old. If I could do it over I wouldn't have been a scrub and just done nursing. If you are looking just between surgical tech and rad tech, I would go rad tech. A friend of mine makes about double what I do with a lot less experience- he sits during the case and presses a button. (obviously I'm over simplifying here). You can then specialize even more for a change of pace and even more $- like CT etc. No, money isn't everything, but your physical and mental health is. Good luck in whatever you choose to do.

Kali.RN · Dec 9, 2018

Hi!

I am currently an operating room nurse that started many years ago as a surgical technologist. The OR is exciting, challenging, and I am still intrigued working in surgery even after 18 years. However, I do wish I had known about the stress involved before I joined at such a young age. First off, the OR environment is very harsh. You will be disrespected by Surgeons, nurses, and fellow techs alike. Sometimes they will make you cry. It goes with the turf. As you become more experienced it will happen less and less but for the most part it never goes away. For example, I was in a surgery and did everything as perfect as possible, but forgot one minor detail like using 3" tape instead of 2" tape at the procedure end and the surgeon "lit me up" about it. And of course the rest of the team stays absolutely silent. Also, you will be paid minimally to have maximum responsibility. You will have to remember the sequence of the surgery, how to use all of the instrumentation, anticipate what you might need before the surgeon asks, and move quickly for the surgeon. Some cases you will stand in one place for hours as most ORs don't offer breaks (only a lunch). The pay is just okay, but honestly you would probably make more at Costco. Your skin will stay dry due to multiple scrubbing sessions and/or waterless scrub. You will have to memorize the Surgeons preferences and learn new ones. Get used to not drinking water during the day (I waterload at night to prevent dehydration) because you cannot break out to use the bathroom. You will have virtually no patient contact in your position so if you are into patient care you will miss out on that. You also have to be the clean up crew; cleaning your instruments and the room if needed. Also, be aware that a lot surgical technologists have been "on the job trained" which decreases the profession and thus prevents STs from lobbying for more money within the career. As long as I have been in the OR the techs have been fighting for more money. I know this all sounds daunting but please take heed as I would probably have chosen a different career had I known these things beforehand. Yes it is very exciting to be next to a surgeon during an operation (I mean you can literally hold a heart within your hands!!!!) but as a long term career choice I would really have to think about it. Nursing is of course an opportunity to work in the OR and still have the flexibility to try other area specialties if the OR burns you out. Sorry if this is discouraging I believe in transparency. Good luck with your decision!

Catsweeney · Dec 10, 2018

Kali, I am sorry you've had that kind on experience. Where I work, the surgical team absolutely sticks together. Of course there are times where you stay quiet but I absolutely have had nurses stick up for me and vice versa if things went unwarranted. I also don't clean my instruments either. I just bring them to a dirty room and we have central clean them, as well as housemen that mop and clean the rooms. Do techs deserve more pay? Absolutely! But I make way more than someone who is working at Costco. I believe that there are pros and cons to every job and every place and environment is different. It is important to do research about the job and where you'd be working for sure. Like you were, I am tech and in nursing school for my RN because I am young and would like to move up the rankings at some point, BUT I would never trade my tech experience for anything. I have learned so much and am better off for it. I'm sure you feel the same way! I wish other ORs had good morale in terms of good team environments. I hear a lot of stories like yours about surgeons, nurses, techs, etc not getting along. The job is stressful enough without all the outside BS drama that can go on between nurses and techs. I really think each environment is different but it is interesting to hear your experience as well!

Kali.RN · Dec 12, 2018

Hi Catsweeney,

Thanks for your input. Like you stated, every place is different. I've noticed that you work in New York whereas I am in the midwest. The surgical technologists here start around $16-17 an hour: clearly no where near enough for what the job will entail. Costco currently pays more than $24/ hour to associates with a benefit package way better than ours (sad but true). That being said, money isn't everything. And I agree, the experience is like none other! To be so close to actual surgery without spending years and years in school is amazing! But that will probably get old when you get frustrated by not making enough money. Obviously, you wouldn't be in school to be an RN if that weren't true, right. It's great that your team members support you but that can be hit or miss also. My current OR is full of drama lol, and people love to keep up mess (high school high). Most people are afraid to go up against the surgeons, even when they are wrong. But hey, it might be different where you are. It's best to consider different opinions before spending the time and money pursuing the career. I personally would do radiology tech instead of surgical tech. Nursing has certainly served me very well also. :)

LovedRN, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2019

I am working as an OR RN and if I have to choose between ST and RT. I say go for RT. There are days that I just want to walk away and don't go back.

MinneNurse, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2019

I would agree with the suggestions that you should shadow first if you can. You have to really have a passion for the OR to be able to work in it. You either love it or you hate it, but even if you love it, as @Kali.RN said, it is a harsh environment. I love being an OR Nurse but some days it is so tough. The OR is filled with such strong personalities and such knowledgable people but unfortunately all that personality and knowledge clash sometimes. Surgeons can be very mean and difficult to work with and I've seen some of our best techs brought to tears. I don't know where you live but in my area techs are in very high demand and many places are offering sign on bonuses/retention bonuses etc. but it can definitely be a lot of work. There are many great things about working in the OR though, more often than not I work with wonderful people who make coming to work fun and I genuinely enjoy being able to do my job along side them. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide!

ETA-RN, ADN, RN · May 2, 2019

Hi,

I will give you my $.02. I've been a radiologic technologist for 20 years and currently close to the end of the first year of my two year program.

If you go the xray route make sure it is not a "technician" school. They are very different. Think RN vs. LVN/CNA. Being an RT does not guarantee you time in OR unless you find a facility that has a dedicated OR xray tech. It happens but not the norm. As an RT you have the opportunity to continue licensure in CT, MRI, NM (nuc med), and radiation therapy. I say go for the RN as the opportunities are so vast. You may find during nursing school that another area of expertise calls out to you. Good luck with whatever decision you come to.