Why did you become an OR Nurse?

[GottaBeanRN]

HI all!

I'm a student and developing some interest in perioperative nursing. Just wondering what stories any of you have and why you decided to become on OR nurse?

[Circl8r]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and give you the REAL reason I went to the O.R. to begin with. Back in '1908' when I started, you never worked weekends, off shifts, or holidays in the O.R. I was BURNED out on working all of that, and when an opening came up, I grabbed it. I was hired because I had knowledge of sterile technique from prior experience in L&D.

Ok, so...time goes on, and I absolutely fall in love with the specialty. I love the patients, the procedures, the environment. There is no place else I'd rather work, and no matter what else I do (like being the anesthesia coordinator), I will be an O.R. nurse til I die. I keep my skills sharp by working registry at night, and on weekends, believe it or not!!!

As president of our local AORN chapter, I'd like to invite you to check out AORN at http://www.aorn.org. Consider a student membership and get a WORLD of interesting info! In case you did not know, nursing students get FREE registration at AORN congress, which will be held in San Diego, CA; March 21-25, 2004.

Good luck!!

Donna