Happy Perioperative Nurses’ Week! I hope that this has been a week full of recognition and appreciation for all of your hard work and dedication.

In honor of the unique nature of our jobs, I’ve written a lighthearted poem about O.R. nurses. I chose to write it in the style of Dr. Seuess – since our jobs are so stressful at times I wanted to do something amusing and fun. I hope you enjoy it! And, from me to you, THANK YOU for everything that you do each day to provide the best and safest experience for all of our surgical patients. You really are the best! 🙂

The Perioperative Nurse

A nurse is a nurse, that’s what some folks will claim –
They do the same job! Everyone’s all the same!
When we’re all dressed alike, from our scrubs to our shoes,
It’s easy to see why you’d all be confused.
 
While R.N. reads the same on a badge with a name –
These letters don’t tell all the skills we’ve obtained.
Our jobs are diff’rent, and our skill sets diverse,
There’s really so much more to being a nurse!
 
I realize I’m biased, but the cream of the crop,
Are the nurses who work over in Peri-Op.
Our field is specialized, our training unique,
We’ve seen it all, from your brain to your feet!
 
Lunch breaks are random, and staffing gets crazy –
We’re running so much, there’s no time to be lazy.
We know the doc’s preference for music and suture,
We anticipate needs like we must know the future.
 
And in all of the noise, the chaos, and chatter,
The surgical nurse knows the one thing that matters
Regardless of what’s going on all around,
The patient comes first, and their safety abounds.
                                                             
                                 ~Melanie Perry 2020

O.R. nursing is hard, so stressful at times, and definitely crazy. But it’s also extremely rewarding. Thank you for everything that you do each and every day. You deserve all the recognition and appreciation. And you deserve cake. I really hope there’s cake 🙂

Until next time,

Melanie