Well you're not an OR nurse

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Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.

Earlier today I was in the break room (shared by Pre-Op, OR, and PACU) talking to one of the OR nurses, the surgical tech walks up and starts talking to the OR nurse I was talking to (as if I was not there). When I chime in she gives me a nasty look and says, "Why would anybody work in Pre-Op? Anybody can do that job," and continues to talk as if I wasn't there or that I was beneath her. I just brushed it off and went about my business, but honestly I did let it get to me. I hate feeling inferior to the OR nurses, as if us little ole pre-op nurses are borderline idiots. I'm sorry, I just needed to say that. Feeling a little low right now, that is all.:uhoh3:

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I'm sorry that happened to you. Some people can be so cruel! I am sure you do a great job, and you work is truly appreciated if not by other nurses, by the patients you help/encounter everyday! Don't let it get to you (easier said than done, I know) ;)

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Earlier today I was in the break room (shared by Pre-Op, OR, and PACU) talking to one of the OR nurses, the surgical tech walks up and starts talking to the OR nurse I was talking to (as if I was not there). When I chime in she gives me a nasty look and says, "Why would anybody work in Pre-Op? Anybody can do that job," and continues to talk as if I wasn't there or that I was beneath her. I just brushed it off and went about my business, but honestly I did let it get to me. I hate feeling inferior to the OR nurses, as if us little ole pre-op nurses are borderline idiots. I'm sorry, I just needed to say that. Feeling a little low right now, that is all.:uhoh3:

It never ceases to amaze me that there are idiots every where!!!:D People often tear other people down in order to make themselves feel better....:down: Maybe she's the one that should feel inferior....

Hope you have a nicer rest of the day......:redbeathe

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Sounds like they are the one with self esteem issues.

I'm sorry she was so nasty to you. I tend to kinda wear my feelings on my sleeve too. Just remember you don't need her opinion or approval on how important your job is. :)

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Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.

I don't know why I let that get to me, but it did. After a hard day of trying to get everyone prepped before surgery(IVs, assessments, dealing with families, giving meds, calling doc because pt signed consent form and doesnt know whats happening, everybody seemed to need hair clipped today etc...) I'm beat, and to be insulted after it all - stinks!! IDK, I'll get over it.

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You should've said "you're right-I make twice as much as you doing a job that anyone can do-looks like I'm the smart one!" and walked away. It always shocks people when you agree with them esp when it's ludicrous. She sure couldn't do your job because she doesn't have the training for it (which is much harder than scrub tech school). She's just being ignorant and insecure. It always shocks me when someone says or does something so mean. Hang in there!

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I think it's perfect. Think about it. Pre-OP requires kind and considered staff. I think that tech is in the right place. And nope not anybody can do that job. Hmm, I have someone in mind.

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Specializes in PeriOperative.

There is one solution to these kind of attitudes: cross-training.

If the OR nurses are trained to do pre-op and PACU (and pre-op/PACU nurses are trained to the OR...and in some places it is like this) there is much more camaraderie and less of the us vs. them.

Heck, even shadowing would be helpful. Many OR nurses ARE resentful that the nurse preparing the patient for surgery had no idea what goes on in the OR. It is hard to prepare someone for something you know nothing about! The result is a very cookie-cutter assessment and less critical thinking.

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Specializes in O.R., Endoscopy, PACU,Pulmonary Stepdown.

People like that are pathetic and feel they need to put others down. She's not even a Registered Nurse! She's one to talk. I myself am an O.R. nurse, and also do pre-op (small hospital), there is no reason for her to put you down.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surge, Ortho.

I think pre-op nursing is great!!!. The pre op nurse not only prepares the patient before the surgery or procedure, but with the right attitude, can prepare the patient emotionally. As some one who have had a couple surgeries myself, it was nothing better than having a kind and compassionate nurse to encourage me before i went under. I am so tired of the politics in nursing. Nursing should be about caring and compassion, but yet some of us can't show it to our co- workers. I am tired of the comparisons so far as degrees, specialties and titles and making the lesser educated nurse feel inadequate because she or he has less education. The most beautiful thing about being a nurse is that we are needed in different areas and specialties. We all are important in todays healthcare system no matter where we work because we are NURSES.:nurse:

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Specializes in OB-L&D, Post partum, Nursery.

Last I heard, we were all on the same side, to do safe patient care. The nurse should have informed that tech she was out of line. I have a great deal of respect for the OR techs I work with, but they accord others respect also. She needs to remember that if their weren't any pre-op nurses, there wouldn't be any 'op' for her to worry about and she wouldn't have a job.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Earlier today I was in the break room (shared by Pre-Op, OR, and PACU) talking to one of the OR nurses, the surgical tech walks up and starts talking to the OR nurse I was talking to (as if I was not there). When I chime in she gives me a nasty look and says, "Why would anybody work in Pre-Op? Anybody can do that job," and continues to talk as if I wasn't there or that I was beneath her. I just brushed it off and went about my business, but honestly I did let it get to me. I hate feeling inferior to the OR nurses, as if us little ole pre-op nurses are borderline idiots. I'm sorry, I just needed to say that. Feeling a little low right now, that is all.:uhoh3:

Kudos to you. I would have been far less charitable.

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