Snippets from a hectic shift ☺️

Every day as an Operating Room nurse is a new adventure, and honestly, sometimes it feels like a marathon before the sun even fully rises. My alarm usually goes off way before dawn, and after a quick shower, I'm often grabbing a cold coffee to go, sometimes even a banana for a quick breakfast on the run. The hospital hallway is quiet at that hour, a stark contrast to the buzzing energy it'll soon hold. When I get to the locker room, it’s often still empty, giving me a moment of calm before the storm. I unlock my beige locker – the one with the little yellow magnet that says 'THANKS, IT'S THE TRAUMA' – it's a small reminder of the intensity we face. After changing into my scrubs and putting on my favorite scrub hat, the one with the colorful heart-shaped candy patterns, I head to pre-op to review my cases. Today was a classic example: two complex spine cases, scheduled from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, meaning every minute would count. Once inside the sterile hallway, it’s 'MASK UP!!' and 'GEAR UP!' time. The OR is a world of precision and rapid decisions. My first case involved both an anterior and posterior approach, which means careful patient positioning – starting on their back, then the delicate process of flipping them over for the next part of the surgery. You're constantly moving, assisting, and anticipating. The C-Arm and O-Arm are essential, requiring frequent imaging, which means I'm often calling for techs, running around, and making sure everything is sterile and ready. The second case was even more intense. There was a moment where we almost coded the patient right on the table. In those seconds, everything else fades away, and your training kicks in. It's a reminder of how fragile life is and how vital our roles are. Throughout the day, managing supplies like 0.9% Sodium Chloride and various medications, ensuring the sterile field remains pristine, is paramount. Lunch? It's usually a quick affair, whenever we can snatch a few minutes. Today, it was my prepped fried egg and avocado for some extra protein, followed by my comfort food, chicken adobo and rice. Sometimes, a quick bathroom break offers a moment of reflection, maybe seeing a 'Kindness MATTERS' sign – a small, simple message that resonates deeply in such a high-stakes environment. Despite the chaos and the exhaustion, there's an incredible sense of purpose. We face challenges head-on, giving 100% every single time. And always, always, patient privacy and confidentiality are at the forefront of every action. It's not just a job; it's a calling filled with moments of intense stress, profound responsibility, and ultimately, immense satisfaction knowing you've made a difference.