RNs who work in the stressful environment of the operating room (OR) seem to have superhuman abilities to focus and be calm, despite the fact that nurses are known for remaining calm under pressure. Even routine operations can have complications, which need to be handled precisely and carefully. These nursing positions in operating rooms are not for the weak of heart!
- Camaraderie. The central characteristic of perioperative care is teamwork. …
- High Pressure. Wrong side, wrong site, wrong procedure, wrong patient. …
- Job Satisfaction. Nursing is a rewarding job by nature. …
- Benefits and Pay. …
- Exceeding Your Steps. …
- Physically Demanding. …
- Mentally and Emotionally Taxing. …
- Burn Out.
Pros of being a perioperative nurse
Some of the advantages of being a perioperative nurse include:
Maintaining a flexible schedule
Hospitals typically require operating rooms to have a full staff due to the fact that they are open around-the-clock, seven days a week, and that their patient load can change. As a result, perioperative nurses may be able to select from a variety of shifts and keep a flexible work schedule.
This implies that nurses may be able to modify their schedule to accommodate other interests or activities if they wish to pursue continuing education courses or take weekends off. It may be advantageous for nurses to choose shifts based on the hours that their partners, families, or roommates are available for childcare, elderly care, or pet care.
Achieving camaraderie with colleagues
In order to guarantee that patients receive the best possible care, perioperative nurses may work together with their coworkers. Surgeons may rely on OR nurses to give them access to surgical tools or keep track of a patient’s vitals while an operation is being performed. Every member of the surgical team is crucial to the success of an operation and the wellbeing of a patient, so their duties may call for emotional and mental fortitude. It may promote feelings of friendship and camaraderie among their colleagues when they discuss their intense professional experiences with them.
Having opportunities for professional development
You might have opportunities for professional development as a perioperative nurse, such as completing a certification program. The Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI) offers the Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) credential. This certification shows that specialists are knowledgeable and capable of demonstrating their abilities in operating rooms. People with CNOR certification might be qualified for a pay raise or a higher-paying position.
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Developing new professional skills
Perioperative nurses, who work in operating rooms, may come into contact with a variety of patients and learn about a variety of operations. Depending on the extent of a patient’s injuries, their age, physical characteristics, and general health, surgeries can vary. As a result, perioperative nurses may develop professional competencies over the course of their careers and operations for the same procedure may vary depending on the patient. This position may be ideal for those who enjoy learning a lot and are looking for a job that allows them to expand their skill set.
What is a perioperative nurse?
A perioperative nurse is a medical professional who looks after patients in the operating room before, during, or after surgery. They are also known as scrub nurses or operating room (OR) nurses. These nurses work closely with other members of the operation team to ensure the success of the procedure and play a crucial role in the recovery of patients. Some of their professional responsibilities may include:
Cons of being a perioperative nurse
Some disadvantages of being a perioperative nurse may include:
Encountering a variety of emotionally or mentally challenging situations
Perioperative nurses may come across professional situations that they find emotionally or mentally challenging because they may care for patients with a variety of medical injuries and conditions. While they might not be able to influence how an operation turns out, they might find it rewarding to be able to contribute to someone’s safety and wellbeing, which might make it easier to deal with the unfavorable situations that can occur.
Perioperative nurses may still find their job satisfying and feel comforted or satisfied knowing that they did everything they could to help the surgeon and the patient before, during, and after surgery even if an operation doesn’t go as planned. Instead, productive operations can encourage them to continue in their line of work and highlight the beneficial effects they have on their communities.
Handling a physically demanding role
As a perioperative nurse, you might have to spend several hours standing in an operating room helping a doctor or caring for post-operative patients throughout a hospital wing. This can be physically taxing, so good posture, stretching, and rest can all be crucial components of this line of work.
Professionals may prefer this position’s mobility to one in an office, where they might spend most of the day sitting down, even though it may require them to stand or walk for the majority of a 12-hour shift. People who love to move and exercise may understand the physical demands of their jobs as OR nurses and make sure they get enough rest and drink enough fluids to get ready for their professional tasks.
Combating burnout
The work of perioperative nurses can be physically and emotionally taxing, which means that those who work in this field may struggle with burnout or exhaustion. If a professional feels overworked, taking some time off to unwind and consider their career may be beneficial.
People who prioritize their mental health and make sure to get enough sleep may discover that they have a renewed enthusiasm for their line of work. When a nurse is burned out, they may choose to talk to other medical professionals and their coworkers about their feelings and concerns. This can help them build strong interpersonal connections and get the support they need.
Being on call when youre not in the hospital
In the event of an emergency, professionals who are on call are in charge of getting to the hospital where they work. Because it may interfere with their ability to travel or rest while they are away from the hospital, some OR nurses may not enjoy being on call. Being on call typically enables perioperative nurses to earn additional income, despite the fact that it may interfere with a professional’s free time and activities.
Nursing staff are paid by hospitals for the time they spend on call, allowing them to make money while at home or running errands. A nurse can benefit from the opportunity to continue being on call and earning a passive income when they’re away from their professional environment as long as they understand the obligations of this responsibility.
Learn more about Perioperative Nursing at Cleveland Clinic
FAQ
What are 3 disadvantages to becoming a nurse?
- Physical Demands. Injuries to the back and feet are frequent in the nursing field, particularly for those who work in hospitals.
- Long Hours. Hospital nurses typically work 12-hour shifts. …
- Virus Exposure. …
- Stress and Pressure. …
- Emotional Burnout.
Why do you want to be a perioperative nurse?
Perioperative careers present a rare opportunity for hands-on experience and collaboration with other committed health care professionals working together to have a direct impact on their patients’ lives for qualified nurses looking to enter the field.
Is operating room nursing stressful?
According to our study, nurses experience a lot of workplace stress. This result is in line with the literature’s assertion that operating room nurses experience high levels of stress at work (14, 15). The operating room is a complex, risky setting with a high likelihood of unfavorable events.
Are perioperative nurses in demand?
Of the 25 nursing specialties, perioperative is the sixth highest in demand and is expected to grow by 20% It pays more as well: the average OR nurse’s salary is 25% higher than that of a registered nurse
