The first presenter was from the OR. She gave a basic run-through of what an OR nurse does. She (or he) is responsible for setting up and maintaing the sterile field during the entire surgery - from setting up before the patient comes in, during surgery, and afterwards. If a doctor or intern touches anything soiled, she has the power to give them the boot and make them scrub-in all over again. She is control of who comes in, who leaves, and what tools are being handled during the procedure. She is also responsible for prepping the patient beforehand, making sure they know what they are getting done, the risks, etc.
This area sounds so neat, and something I may be good at: patient interaction is present, but still at minimal; certain things need to be prepped, organized (yay!), and laid out prior to surgery; and the OR nurse has the ultimate say on who does what. (outside of the surgery itself, of course). Organization, responsibility, and bossiness = things I like!!
And no, I'm not denying that I like to be bossy anymore... :)
The next speaker worked up North for 2 years before settling back down in the city and getting his Masters. I think this would be so neat! He worked up in Northern Ontario where there are no roads, only sled-dogs, snowmobiles, and planes. There are typically no physicians in these areas either - one may fly up once a month or so. So, the RN is the 'doctor'! He was able to practice outside of his scope (outside of what a usual RN would do in the city/somewhere with doctors present) and experience nursing in a whole new light.
I think that would be such a fun adventure, especially for a year after I graduate. What a great way to be innovative as a nurse! Many things RN's do up North are prohibited in cities, so it would experience.
I'm so excited, and so happy, that I've chosen nursing. It seems like there are so many opportunities out there, whether it means staying in Edmonton or traveling around the world.
Happy Easter Weekend!
D.
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