What's your typical day like as an OR nurse?

[amyrae76]

Hi!

I'm a new grad and I'm considering applying for an OR job (yes, I actually found an OR posting that will consider new grads!). I've always been interested in surgery, but I'd like to know a little more about the OR nurse's duties:

What's your typical day like?

What hours do you work?

Is it challenging/interesting?

Is it stressful?

Do you like it?

How does it compare to med/surg?

What are the differences in duties of the scrub nurse and circulating nurse?

I appreciate any info you can give me so I have some idea what to expect before I apply for the job. Thanks bunches!

amy

[lily_lover]

As an OR nurse, I would love to know where you would make $100,000! That would be awesome, but I don't think it happens in my state.

[KristinWW]

Definitely no $100K in my state either!

Typical day:

6:45 - we have our "morning meeting" where we get yelled at for 15 mins, as well as given "cute" advice.

7:05 - get our assignments. Usually either scrub or circulate all day, in same room, and usually same type cases(general, eyes, plastics, etc.).

7:30 - 99% of cases usually begin. Running around like mad trying to get room ready. Pre-op check done, pt taken to room. All other facilities that I have work do counts before pt arrives, this one does them any time from moment pt arrives to case start. Move pt to OR bed, assist anesthesia, assist scrub (if circulating). Time out, then case and documentation begin.

If case is long, I try to check the carts outside the room for the next cases. I try to check in the morning before days begin, but usually there isn't enough time. We may also have "add-on" cases in which a case has just been added for your room, and you have to be sure it has been picked and bring all equipment to your room.

If cases finish before 3, then I have to help pick cases (loading items for cases on carts), stock the rooms (with sponges, small items), and push carts outside rooms for the next day. All carts have to be pushed for the next day before 3.

Breaks/Lunch: 15 min break in the morning (sometimes) and a 1/2 hour for lunch anywhere between 11 and 2.

Hope this helps!

[Siouxz2]

i cant tell you what being on or nurse is like cuz i am not a nurse. but OR nurses can make just as much of an impact on the patient as the floor nurses. i had one..."I will be there with you the whole time dont worry." then held my hand as i went to sleep.

When I was just starting my orientation, we had a very sick patient. I was very gentle and kind to her, held her hand during anesthesia and before she drifted off, I told her I would be with her the whole time. Turned out she didn't do well after surgery and died the next day. My preceptor said, "Just think. The last words this lady heard were words of comfort and compassion from you."