Transitioning to another specialty area

[AZRN]

I am a peds nurse with 13 yrs exp. not currently employed (since 6/99). In Oct'99 I had the wonderful opportunity to work in an orphanage in Meizhou, China doing dev assess. Since that time, I realize I would very much like to gain skills in perioperative n and be on a surg team with Operation Smile. Any suggestions on how best to acquire these new skills? I realize many hosp offer preceptorships for new grads, but not sure if that is my best option. There is an area college which offers a periop n certificate course. Is this my best method for entering periop n? Any replies are greatly appreciated. Thanks.