transferring from outpatient to acute care operating room

[muddmz11]

Hi all

I've been working in outpatient surgery as my first real nursing job since since graduation. We do primarily plastics, but a hernia or nerve here or there. Over time I grew tired of the same routine tasks and feeling like I'm not a "real" nurse, so I just recently accepted a hospital OR position (it is not a trauma hospital, if that is relevant). I will be circing obviously but also scrubbing (which I haven't done at all).

My question: what advice do you have to deal with the transition? it is intimidating, almost like I am starting all over as a brand new grad..

I really do enjoy *most* of the people and surgeons I work with, and I know the holidays and weekends off with no call are desirable - but I couldn't ever shake that feeling that I needed to learn more and be better at what I do - to put into perspective, I loved the intensity and autonomy/knowledge base when I precepted in the ICU. So this adds a bit of nervousness to an already nerve wracking thought of being new in a hospital OR.

thanks in advance for any input or advice!

[TraumaORnurse]

I work FT in a hospital and PRN at a surgery center, circulating ORs at both. The biggest difference is the patient population. At a surgery center, patients are generally healthy, with little to no anesthesia risk. In the hospital, patients are often sicker; cardiac and/or pulmonary disease being your biggest encounters. You'll have patients come down already intubated or are unable to be extubated. Another difference, is where everything is. At a surgery center, supplies and equipment are often in one area and you know exactly where to go, whereas in the hospital there may be several different supplies room you have to search through until you become familiar with locations.

Because most surgery centers were previously (if not still) surgeon owned, they typically all use the same set up, equipment and supplies. However, in the hospital setting when it's not their money buying everything, they become particular about every little thing. It's annoying and comical...and difficult to adjust if you work with the same surgeons both places.

[sunshine1962]

The facility hired you for your past experience and future potential as an employee. Do not be nervous, they do train, new orientation. good luck

[muddmz11]

This makes me feel better. Im

excited to see more complex histories (who'dve thought, right?). I just hope I made the right decision. But based on how long I've felt like I needed to get more out of my job, I think I did.