From Burnout to Passion: 35 Years In The OR

In 1987, I proudly graduated from nursing school, full of excitement for the career that lay ahead. My first job was on a medical floor at a teaching hospital in New Jersey, and I absolutely loved it. The fast-paced environment and constant learning opportunities were a perfect fit for my energy and curiosity. But life had other plans, and just two years later, my family moved to California. What began as an exciting new chapter soon turned into one of my most challenging professional moments.

Once settled in California, I found a position at a local hospital, hoping to recreate the enthusiasm I had felt in New Jersey. But instead of fulfillment, I felt exhaustion. I was burnt out. The long hours, emotional toll, and lack of work-life balance had taken their toll. I knew I needed a change but had no idea what that might look like.

An Unexpected Surprise

As I scrolled through job postings, one caught my eye: a PACU nurse position at a local surgery center. I didn’t have experience in post-anesthesia care, but something about it intrigued me. I applied, got an interview, and landed the job. I finally felt like I could breathe again. The pace was different, and I enjoyed the focused care that the PACU environment required. I thought I had found my niche. But life wasn’t done surprising me.

On my second day at the surgery center, the administrator approached me and asked if I’d be interested in working in the operating room (OR). I was young, curious, and eager to learn, so without hesitation, I said, “Sure.” That one word changed the trajectory of my career.

The next day, I found myself orienting in the OR. There was no formal training program like today’s PeriOp 101. Instead, I was paired with two experienced nurses who guided me through the fundamentals. I learned on the job, soaking in every bit of knowledge I could. At night, I would go home, reflect on what I’d seen, and study. I bought myself an AORN Standards and Recommended Practices* book and joined the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). I also purchased a copy of Alexander’s Care of the Patient in Surgery*, a resource I still own to this day.

Reading became my lifeline. I would look up the cases I observed during the day, researching the procedures and instruments used. I would cross-reference them with AORN’s standards to understand the rationale behind each step. This self-driven education laid the foundation for my love of OR nursing and ignited a passion for continuous learning.

From Staff Nurse to Director

It didn’t take long for me to move from staff nurse to charge nurse at the surgery center. Leadership seemed to come naturally to me, and I found joy in organizing, mentoring, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department. Before I knew it, I was running the OR. After three years at the surgery center, I realized I wanted to expand my experience and moved on to a small hospital. There, my journey continued as I climbed the ranks from staff nurse to Director of PeriOperative Services.

Looking back, I never imagined that answering a PACU job posting 35 years ago would lead me to this point. I simply followed my curiosity and my drive to grow. What started as a solution to burnout became my lifelong passion.

The Uniqueness of OR Nursing

What makes OR nursing so special? It’s a combination of things. The OR is highly specialized and deeply technical. Each day brings new challenges, whether it’s learning a complex surgical procedure or mastering the use of advanced equipment. The variety keeps me engaged and sharp. I also love the teamwork required in the OR. There’s an unspoken rhythm among the surgical team, and every member plays a critical role in ensuring the patient’s safety and the procedure’s success.

OR nursing is unique. Unlike other specialties, you’re not just caring for a patient—you’re an integral part of a surgical process. You have to anticipate the surgeon’s needs, ensure sterility, manage specialized instruments, and remain vigilant for any complications. It’s demanding, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

Even as I’ve transitioned into leadership roles, I’ve never stopped identifying as an OR nurse first and a leader second. My clinical background informs every decision I make as a leader. I’ve walked in the shoes of the nurses I manage, and I understand their challenges. That perspective helps me advocate for my team and create an environment where they can thrive.

During my 35-year journey, I’ve had moments where I considered switching specialties. But every time, I was drawn back to the OR. It’s where I’m meant to be. The variety, the technical skills, the adrenaline, and the camaraderie—all of it combines to create a work environment I truly love.

Words of Wisdom

For anyone considering OR nursing, my advice is simple: embrace the learning curve. This specialty requires dedication, curiosity, and resilience. It’s not easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. There’s something magical about being part of a team that helps save lives and improve quality of life every single day. You’ll never stop learning, and you’ll never be bored.

As I reflect on my career, I’m filled with gratitude. Gratitude for the mentors who guided me, the colleagues who supported me, and the patients who trusted me. Gratitude for the challenges that pushed me to grow and the opportunities that came my way. Most of all, gratitude for the operating room—the place where I found my purpose and my passion.

Here I am, 35 years later, still passionate about OR nursing. Whether I’m mentoring new nurses, managing a team, or assisting in the OR, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. If you’re looking for a specialty that will challenge and inspire you, I can promise you this: the OR has a way of stealing your heart and never letting go.

 

Dr. Yasmin Sharifi, DNP, RN, CNOR has been a nurse for 37 years, with 35 years of experience in all phases of the operating room. She is the founder of OR RN Mentor and currently serves as the Clinical Nursing Director of Perioperative Services at Los Angeles General Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

 

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PACU