[Acouda]

I recently graduated from an Associates Degree RN program and I am really interested in working in the OR. I have heard that hospitals tend to want RNs to have experience prior to working in most specialties, especially OR. But I really don't want to work on the floor (med.surg or telemetry). I feel that in clinicals all I did, and all I saw the nurses doing, was running around doing numerous assessments, passing a million meds, and constantly talking on the phone with doctors . I want to be able to focus on a few immediate tasks and one patient at a time. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might be more likely to get an OR job? Also, does anyone know anything about surgical offices, where the doctors perform surgeries in offices instead of the hospital? Do they hire new grads? Thanks for any help anyone can give.

[MamaCheese]

Start by checking the hospitals in your area to find out if they offer a OR Nurse Residency Program. Many larger hospitals are now doing this to recruit new talent for their OR's. Or you could look into a periop program at a local college. It's pricey but will surely get your foot in the door if the OR is definitely the place you want to be.

[Alisabeth]

If you know you want to go into the OR, do not fall for a hospital telling you that you need a year of floor nursing. Some hospitals have a nurse intern program for the OR that last from 3-6months. I strongly suggest you find a hospital that has one. I had to research hospitals around the nation before I found one. There are not too many of them. Good luck!

[ORNurse1]

There are many hospitals that will hire new nurses into the OR usually this is do to short staffing. Most prefer experienced nurses but you should apply and see what happens. The hospital I am at now would not hire new grads in the OR until recently now they hired 2.

[shoiy]

Girl
Come to the Caribbean - St. Lucia, we need nurses.
All you have to do is ask when you come. There is an orientation process usually lasting a few weeks. You will be taught the basics of the OR until you become proficient enough to do Calls. You get to do recovery room nursing, and sterilizing...it is great if you love it. But it is not as busy as you would have in the bigger countries.