- Is a competent dishwasher (figuratively that is). The betadine scrub and paint could make your hands so dry, you wish you have not put any lotion on before going on duty. Instruments are being washed immediately after every case (except for those with infectious disease: the instruments are being soaked).
- Is a highly-paid factory worker. We are making cherries, prep balls, operative sponges & peanuts are made MANUALLY! Basically if we do not have anything to do, we sit down and fold.
- Is an expensively-educated janitor. We are cleaning both the patient and the room each and after operation. We are having the so-called DO DAY, rubbing every part of the operating room clean, just to make sure that the rooms are free from microorganism that can cause infection
- Has strong bladder control. A whole shift operation could make your urge to void disappear. One can only wish that someone would attach a catheter and relieve a full bladder.
- Comes to work in a full stomach. You’ll never know what waits for you when you arrive in the operating room. It might be a minor operation which could last in about 30 minutes or an exploratory laparotomy that could last the whole shift.
- Is Ambivalent about caffeine. It can be both an enemy and a friend. An enemy because it is a diuretic and nature may call while the doctor is asking for hemostat. A friend because it can keep you awake the whole night.
- Is great with gift-wrapping. They can wrap an instrument or linens in a record's time. It is what we do ALMOST the whole afternoon shift.
I used to believe that being an OR nurse would really be a simple task. But no, when I started in the operating room, I find the job less boring and more challenging. The stress level could surge up anytime especially when the patient and the doctor gets toxic or you are too hungry to remain inside the room.The AM shift would always have cases, afternoon shifts will have cases that the morning shift cannot accommodate and some caesarean section. The night shift? It's either an exploratory laparotomy (usually this is the kind of operation done to people who have gunshot or stab wounds), caesarean section and appendectomy. If none, the night shift can sleep the night away after the routine work inside the operating room. It's really a shame that some people would underestimate our work. They never knew what happens inside the complex, unless they get inside. Right? .
