What's in your O.R.?

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 1, 2017

If you check out my post about what OR nurses do and how to become one, you'll find several posts that answer your question. It's under the FAQ tab I believe.

mrcleanscrubs, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2017

Thank you Rose_Queen !

ggoodman · Oct 7, 2017

Tell me what you do Weekend nurse manager, Whatever needs to be done

How do you start your morning, or night? Coffee, oatmeal

Do you ever assist? Clamping? Suture? Intubation? Yes to all

What kind of surgeries do you see on a daily basis? Gen, ortho trauma, hearts, neuro

How do you feel at the end of your shift? tired

gonzalal · Nov 11, 2017

Well I've been a OR nurse for over a 2 years, still learning a lot but I hope this helps.

During the day I see lots of ortho,general cardiac cysto and the occasional emergency.

recently I started working nights, 7pm to 7:30 am, boy I rushed my learning curve, at night there is only two nurses and two techs to run two rooms only 9during the da we run 21 OR, so there is a big difference in help available.

At night I see emergencies from ectopic pregnancies to GSW or MVA and everything in between.

I have the chance to work very close to great anesthesiologist and surgeons and when we have a code the nurse is the one stepping in to do the CPR so we have a lot to do.

I help intubating the patient, placing foley cath the occasional IV and if I'm comfortable I can scrub a case.

Best decision ever, becoming an OR nurse.

mrcleanscrubs, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2018

@gonzalal ,

Thank you for your extensive reply! It sounds like you work at a great facility and get alone with everyone in the OR setting. You also get awesome opportunities like intubating, as well as scrubbing. Now, does Anesthesia or an MD have to be at bedside when you intubate? Also, what is it like scrubbing? What are your responsibilities?