Degree to become an Operating room CNA

ComeTogether, LPN · Jan 17, 2014

CNA's don't work in ORs. They do have a position called a Surgical tech and that is a certification course. Its generally 1-2 years I believe.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 18, 2014

There are facilities who will use patient care assistants (or another variation on that name; ours are called surgical services aids). However, their patient interaction is limited. Their duties typically include assisting in room turnover (cleaning and mopping), running to blood bank to pick up products, assisting with positioning and moving patients, and restocking rooms. They are not involved in the actual surgery at all.

Surgical technologists go to school to learn how to scrub in and handle instruments during cases. These programs may be diploma programs that last 9 or more months or a full associates degree program. These positions require much more responsibility than that of patient care assistant and are compensated accordingly (although less than a nurse). They may function during surgery by maintaining the sterile field, handing instruments to the surgeon, and if oriented to the role or have additional training function as a second assistant who is responsible for holding retractors or perhaps some further advanced activities, as per what facility policy permits.

You don't say what kind of program you are entering. Is it nursing, surgical technology, or something else? OR nursing, surgical technology, and becoming a CNA are extremely different than becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.

klpish · Jan 18, 2014

I will be entering the CNA program. Also, I have done research and I understand that they are not involved in the actual surgeries. I rationalized that it would be amazing exposure considering my future. Additionally, I do know that a CNA is entirely different than being a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, I am only 15 and will be 16 when I enter the program and in the state I reside it you can be 16. My plan is to become a CNA throughout high school and when I am old enough, become an EMT while I am attending Stanford. I have a strong passion for the medical field and for the patients. I have experienced Code Blue's and have observed them. In fact, I am volunteering at our local hospital and have volunteered in the ER on numerous counts. I volunteer past my hours without getting credit. Thank you for your response. It is beyond appreciated. Do you know if an operating CNA requires further education other than the certification? I am already CPR certified, etc.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 18, 2014

I will be entering the CNA program. Also I have done research and I understand that they are not involved in the actual surgeries. I rationalized that it would be amazing exposure considering my future. Additionally, I do know that a CNA is entirely different than being a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, I am only 15 and will be 16 when I enter the program and in the state I reside it you can be 16. My plan is to become a CNA throughout high school and when I am old enough, become an EMT while I am attending Stanford. I have a strong passion for the medical field and for the patients. I have experienced Code Blue's and have observed them. In fact, I am volunteering at our local hospital and have volunteered in the ER on numerous counts. I volunteer past my hours without getting credit. Thank you for your response. It is beyond appreciated. Do you know if an operating CNA requires further education other than the certification? I am already CPR certified, etc.[/quote']
In nearly every state you cannot work in a hospital as a CMA until you are 18 years old. OSHA and dept of labor regulations will likely prevent you from working in an OR in ANY capacity until you are 18.

ComeTogether, LPN · Jan 18, 2014

I can tell you that you are very articulate and seem very passionate. For a 15 year old, that is rare. Becoming a CNA is a great idea just to get your feet wet and for the experience. What jobs you can perform will be limited until you are 18, but if there is a program that will allow you to get your CNA thats great and you should go for it. At the very least you may be able to get a job working activities until you can work as a CNA.

There aren't "Operating room CNA's", there are just CNAs. No extra training will likely be required if you can find that kind of position. I've truly never seen a CNA work in an OR in any kind of capacity, but as a PP stated occasionally they can be used for things thta have little to do with patent care. Your exposure will be very limited and I assure you this kind of a job won't be available to you until you are 18 and even when you are they're very few and far between. Even if you found this kind of job you'd be better off working on a med/surg floor as a CNA. You'd get much more experience that way.

Its all going to be a few years away for you, though. Good for you for having big dreams. :)

klpish · Jan 18, 2014

Thank you very much! I appreciate it! I just wish I was already doing what I long to do.... And thank you for being the most positive of all the responders on this thread!