The experience of being an older perioperative nurse

AORN Journal, Oct, 2003 by Susan Letvak

Ms D, a specialty team nurse, said

   Once when I was working urology,
   there was a lot of water on the floor
   and I slipped and fell onto the palms
   of my hands. I'm always running
   into stuff too, though I don't usually
   get too banged up.

Ms A said

   I've had a few strains and stuff but
   nothing acute. When I pull something
   wrong and have a backache for
   a few days, all I do is tell the tech or
   somebody, hey listen, I lifted this
   patient wrong and I got a strain in
   my back, and I need to take it easy.
   They will all say "take it easy," and I
   get a break for a few days. I do think
   what is most hazardous is all the
   water on the floor. It hurts when you
   bit the floor!

Of note, the nurses did not consider needle sticks to be injuries. "I've never had any injuries other than a few needle sticks, and maybe a few sharps injuries with knife blades and such," claimed Ms M, a veteran of 32 years in the OR. Another said, "I am sure to use great body mechanics and take care of myself. Other than a needle stick now and again, I haven't had any problems." Several of the participants considered health to be the responsibility of the nurse. Ms D said, "I have never had any back injuries, and I think I'm safe in saying that most injuries come from bad body mechanics." Another nurse said, "A lot of nurses with back problems, I think, already had problems and just want the compensation thing. Especially with these travelers." Several of the nurses also spoke of having to take care of themselves to properly care for their patients.

All 14 of the participants planned on growing even older in the OR. Ms B joked

   Well, seniority in the OR is great. It
   can mean that you've worked great
   and they've given you raises and you
   really love it. But it also can mean
   you can't do the job anywhere else--so
   we are staying.

Mr C, a specialty team member nurse concurred, "One thing about the nurse who is more than 50 years old in the OR. They either are leaving nursing or staying in the OR. We aren't going anywhere."

INTERPERSONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL CONCERNS, The social context in which nurses work in relation to interpersonal and organizational concerns is the second theme I identified during data analysis. Specifically, the nurses spoke of the stresses caused by call and scheduling, as well as interpersonal relationships, particularly with surgical technologists.

All 14 nurses voiced concerns about call and scheduling. Ms G, who works part time as a member of a specialty team, stated "Older nurses just don't want to deal with the call because we still have to be here at 7:00 the next day, you know." Ms A said.

   You can't stay up all
   night and then work
   half the next day with
   no sleep. At least, I
   believe I can't. I think
   it is hazardous to the
   patient. It compromises
   patient care.
   The only way I could
   get out of call was to
   go full time, so I did.

Ms N said, "Call and call pay are major issues. If you are going to have nurses on call, the pay is an insult. You are homebound. You can't even put a cake in the oven." Ms A said, "Call is a problem. When I'm on call, I can count on at least 12 to 15 hours, maybe 18 sometimes. I think the longest I've done recently was 22 hours straight." Ms H said, "The call is a killer. Twenty years ago people would switch with you all the time. Now everyone is out for themselves." Ms D added