Are you passionate about helping people? If so, a career in the medical field might be for you. The healthcare industry is rapidly growing compared to other sectors.
As a medical practitioner, you may be subject to work in the operating room. The work is hands-on, and you’ll assist patients before and after surgery. As an operating room nurse, your responsibility is to ensure that the OR team progresses efficiently. Before you undertake a medical field course, start by asking yourself whether you can take on the responsibilities of working in an operating room.
Which Professionals Work in the OR?
The operating room is one of the most important areas in a hospital. Patients who enter into the OR put their lives in the hands of a team of well-trained professionals. They work together to perform surgical procedures that save lives. In the OR, there will be a team consisting of a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, and an OR nurse. The anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia before a procedure. They also monitor and evaluate a patient before, during, and after surgery. The nurse’s responsibility is to assist the surgeon while they conduct the surgical procedure.
Advantages of Working in the OR
When you become a surgeon, you’ll benefit from job security and great income. If you want to delve into a career in the medical field, you should first understand why people enjoy working in some of these positions.
The primary advantage of the OR is that you’ll work directly with patients. The anesthesiologist and surgical tech assist people daily. If you choose a career that will enable you to work in the OR, it’s highly likely that you’ll get a job immediately upon completing your studies. You’ll also have the advantage of picking the job position that you’re most interested in. This job is meaningful and rewarding.
Challenges of Working in the OR
There are different advantages and challenges to working as an operating room nurse. For the professionals who are already working in the OR, some of these issues can’t outweigh the advantages of such rewarding careers. The main challenges are the high levels of stress and intense working environment. In an operating room, you’ll be under constant stress, especially if you are handling a procedure that’s classified as a life or death situation.
In the OR, things move fast. You should position yourself to prioritize what’s at hand while also make decisions regarding the most important tasks and what to do next. The staff should understand the value of efficient communication so that each procedure can progress smoothly. Some of these skills take time to master. Nonetheless, they’ll prove immensely beneficial in the long run.
There are physical challenges involved in the OR, as well. The technicians are tasked with moving the equipment and the patients. Working in the OR requires long hours on your feet as you handle complex surgical procedures. It’s important to ensure that you’re physically fit to handle such a job well and be comfortable doing it.
Working Hours for Professionals in the OR
In the OR, you’re expected to work full-time. The shifts usually vary and depending on the number of surgeries and duration, the technicians work shifts that are eight hours or more. The surgeries are supposed to be scheduled. However, they aren’t as predictable all the time. As a result, you should be on call if an emergency surgery needs to be performed, especially on the weekends.
How Do You Become a Surgical Tech?
If you are a surgical tech, you must possess certain knowledge and skills. Most surgical techs passed through an education program designed for this area of expertise. Some of these programs include certificates or diplomas that can be completed in at least two years.
About Speciality Care
SpecialtyCare is dedicated to providing an exceptional patient experience, becoming the OR employer of choice, and leading the way in OR innovation. We do this through staffing operating rooms and providing the equipment needed for medical procedures.