Wanting a Change -Burned Out OR RN

[FaithED]

I am a registered nurse with 9 years of experience in the operating room. I went straight into the OR right after nursing school. I am losing interest in the OR and getting burned out. I know I don't want to go into ICU or med/surg. I have no idea what other specialties to try that I would like. I'm at a disadvantage because I have lost so much of my nursing skills. I would like to hear some feedback on how many different areas of nursing you all went into. How long did you work in a certain area before you changed? How difficult was it to make the change? I would really like to hear from nurses who were in the OR and changed into a different area but any responses are welcome! Right now I am unsure about my future and would love some guidance/support. Thank you very much.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Welcome to AN!

While I've never done it myself, I have worked with several nurses who have moved on to other specialties after working in the OR. Three went to ICU, 2 went to case management, 2 went to a physician's office, 1 went to a trauma ICU and then on to CRNA school, 1 went to hospice, and there were a couple of others that I can't remember where they went.

If you aren't sure what specialty you would like to transfer into, you can browse through the forums found under the specialties tab in the yellow bar across the top of the website. Once in the subforum, you can find a tab for FAQs, which could give you a general overview of each specialty. That may help you find an area you would like to work in.

[FaithED]

Thank you Rose Queen. I will check out the forums.

[cdsavannah59, CNA]

How about Telenursing have you considered that?

[FaithED]

That sounds very interesting cdsavannah59 but the only thing is I do not have a med/surg background. I would not feel confident helping a patient over the phone/internet. The problem is I don't feel I have the required qualifications to go into another specialty. I forgot a lot of meds and dosages, how to start IVs, etc. I am so upset with myself for not going into the ED or ICU as new grad so I could have a rock solid foundation. OR nursing didn't give me that, now I have anxiety about starting something brand new. They say if you don't use your nursing skills from school or work you will lose it within 5 years.

[cdsavannah59, CNA]

That sounds very interesting cdsavannah59 but the only thing is I do not have a med/surg background. I would not feel confident helping a patient over the phone/internet. The problem is I don't feel I have the required qualifications to go into another specialty. I forgot a lot of meds and dosages, how to start IVs, etc. I am so upset with myself for not going into the ED or ICU as new grad so I could have a rock solid foundation. OR nursing didn't give me that, now I have anxiety about starting something brand new. They say if you don't use your nursing skills from school or work you will lose it within 5 years.

I bet you are a great OR Nurse so don't be to judgmental of yourself in other areas of practice, maybe a medsurge nurse has the same feelings about her ability to do your job in OR. I hope you find the right job fit.

[FaithED]

Thank you. I hope so also.