Job: Cardiac vascular operating room manager, operating room nurse, Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville.
What I do: "I'm developing the open heart surgery program at Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville and will manage the unit once it opens in January 2012. Currently, my responsibilities include development of policies, procedures, physician order sets, surgeon preference cards, creating instrument trays and ordering equipment specific to open heart surgery.
“Additionally, my duties include hiring three teams of OR staff that include registered nurses, first assistants, surgical technicians and anesthesia assistants. I’ve created an orientation program that includes open heart surgery training and education.
“I work closely with an interdisciplinary team of professionals to coordinate patient flows or logistics patterns for the new cardiac program to improve patient experience and promote internal communications.”
How I got into this: "Originally, I went into nursing because I was fascinated by anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment. My interest and knowledge grew in heart disease, treatment and prevention. Early on, I primarily practiced bedside nursing in cardiac critical care units until family obligations forced me to rethink my schedule. At the time, I challenged myself by applying for a day shift position at the renowned Cleveland Clinic as an open heart operating room nurse. In this new role, I had to learn an application appropriate for the operating room. Through experience at four heart surgery programs, I've learned the skills needed to serve as an open heart circulating nurse, first assistant nurse and scrub nurse.
“Because the management track seemed natural, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Following that, I managed six OR suites, which later grew into 22.”
Best part of the job: "Playing a role on a highly specialized surgical team and delivering quality patient care. Based on the surgeon's direction, operating room nurses are required to make assessments and critically think in high-stress situations. I take pride in being able to anticipate the needs of the surgery team especially as it relates to patient positioning, supplies, instrumentation and equipment. I compare it to the role of a symphony conductor, and with great ease, the music flows.
“As a manager, I enjoy building relationships among my team and facilitating professional growth. I have an opportunity to balance hands-on patient care with my managerial responsibilities. I can provide direct patient care in the morning and managerial duties like coordinating cases, staff assignments and operational efficiency in the afternoon, if I prefer.”
Most challenging part: "Creating a positive work/life balance. As a baby boomer, I value work over relationships. Over time, I've learned to prioritize my work, better utilize my team and manage my time more effectively."
What people don't know about my job: "The role of an operating room nurse can be complex. Often, patients are given anti-anxiety drugs prior to being transported back to the OR. Frequently, they don't remember the nurse or the brief time they are in the OR before being given anesthesia.
“The nurse is usually in the role of the circulator, and the best operating room nurses know the specific needs of each surgeon they support daily. The nurse also collaborates with the scrub nurse or technician, first assistant, surgeon and an anesthetist, who can have different approaches.
“Because the operating room nurse is the most familiar with the patient and family, he or she may be called upon to further clarify the patient’s plan of care and often advocates for the patient.”
What keeps me going: "I am able to satisfy my passion for leadership and my enthusiasm for patient-care excellence through technical expertise in my role. I have the best of both worlds."
Preparation needed: "A bachelor's degree in nursing, state licensure, operating room nurse certification, open heart operating room experience, operating room managerial experience and BLS/ACLS certification."
Salary: According to salary.com, the median annual salary for operating room head nurses is about $92,000, depending on location and experience.
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Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse editor. Got a health care job that you love? Please send email to jbrieske@ajc.com.
