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I'm not an L&D nurse, yet an OR nurse (the past 3 yrs) just like yourself and can completely sympathize with your dilemma. I, too, have become bored with the OR, specifically circulating. I was a Scrub Tech (CST) for 3 years, so I love the opportunity to "scrub-in" when I get the chance, which is few & far between. Our OR utilizes Scrub Techs to the max. Plus, your right in regard to some Scrub Techs can make for a miserable day. I mean, if I can obviously hear the Surgeon needs something I don't need the ST to yell across the room for me to "fetch it" if I'm already headed towards the cabinet reaching for the particular needed item! I find some of the younger STs have no tact when requesting an item, whereas when I work with some of the more experienced Techs we can make eye contact once a Surgeon request an item & I'll promptly get the particular instrument or set that is needed without the Tech saying a word to me. BTW, we do computer charting in the OR at my hospital, which can be a distraction and overall pain in the a#$!
I have 1.5 years experience in Telemetry nursing, where I met my wife, and 1.5 yrs experience in critical care nursing. I'm also in the USAR Nurse Corps and work in a 10-bed ICU on my drill Saturdays. In fact, last August for my 2 week annual training (not really training, yet 2 weeks of active duty)I worked on a Stepdown Unit, and loved it!
I plan to either go back to critical care nursing, or go to CRNA school thru the Army Nurse Anesthesia Masters program. I do enjoy the team work involved in perioperative care (when I'm working with motivated members), however for the most part I'd rather have more autonomy & direct care involvement with patients, like in ICU. I really envy the RNFAs but not willing to hassle with insurance reimbursement. In my area RNFAs have to market themselves and I'd rather be guaranteed a steady paycheck.
So, maybe you could apply for a PRN position on a Maternity floor, then if you like it make a switch to full-time. The great thing about nursing, besides helping out the underdog, is the wide variety of career options & mobility we have as nurses. I'm curious, how long have you been an OR RN & have you done any other type of nursing? "Intro... I'm from upstate NY. I work in a small hospital in the OR. Before that I worked on an acute geriatric floor and in a nursing home." I just read your Intro Thread, so that answers my question. I still encourage you to seek out a PRN L&D position. For the most part, the patients are very healthy (ASA 1), so the only orientation time you'd need would be the specifics related to maternity nursing.
Good luck!
