Anyone knows any OR training programs for NON new graduates?

[iToniai]

Hi all,

I'm an experienced med/surg nurse who wants to switch specialty area. Since nursing school I knew I absolutely wanted to be in the OR, however, I took the advice of my former professors and other nurses who told me to get med/surg experience first. Now, I have 5 years of experience and it seems to be working against me. All of the OR programs I've found, thus far, are only willing to consider new graduates only, how ironic is that? I'm willing to move anywhere within the U.S.A. in order to get this training. Does anyone know of any hospitals who are willing to train an experienced med/surg nurse to become an OR nurse? I'm still searching but I know a lot of people visit these forums and might have a few suggestions. Thank you.

[AZMOMO2]

There is a school in Phoenix AZ that has a Peri-operative Nursing program for RNs. It teaches scrub and circulate. It is NOT however part of a hospital and does not come with any pay... However, it teaches everything you need to know and offers clinical time in the OR. Have you checked into your local community colleges that have nursing programs to see if they have something like this in your area?

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

If you are currently working in a hospital, go up to the department one day and ask if you could talk to the nurse manager. Let them know you are interested in the OR and ask them if you can tag along with a circulator one day (make sure they know you are an employee). Make contacts in the OR on that day and just keep letting them know you are waiting for an opportunity and would love to join their team. Apply for all jobs in the OR posted internally and make sure everyone knows your objectives. Good luck.

[Southernkitten]

Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem NC has an ad posted on monster as well as their website:[h=3]RN Post Graduate Student | Surgical Operations[/h]Job ID: 29902 | Full-Time | Regular

Open Date: 11/13/2012

RN Post Graduate Training Program. The RN assumes the role of student in training for the Operating Room. Classroom and clinical training.Prepares for classroom and clinical work prior to schedule meetings. Completes exams on scheduled days. Maintains clinical record of cases....

It looks like their next training program starts 13 April of this year. I'm an OCN, I applied this past weekend and I've been called and had an interview scheduled for tomorrow!

Good luck to us both :)

[iToniai]

Southernkitten,

Thank you and good luck to you. So far, I've found 4 programs that are for non new graduates. I will begin applying tomorrow. Thanks again.

[Deucedst]

Hi,

I am currently in a preoperative course at Delaware County Community College. It is taught by ---------------. Excellent program .....most students completing the program are hired by the hospital where they compleyed their clinical. It's located in PA right outside of Philadelphia. Its worth looking into. I have a classmate who came from AZ just to complete this program. Good Luck in your decision:)

[ORoxyO]

The hospital I started at in Detroit took experiences nurses all the time- they preferred it. They went through the same orientation as everyone else as the OR is so different than a floor. I am surprised they are only looking for new grads near you. Maybe because they are cheaper?

[iToniai]

Hey all!

Thanks for those who left comments here and PMed me with programs. I went on 2 interviews and was offered a position in an OR perioperative internship program. I'm super excited and I look forward to starting in a couple of months. I will post the programs that I found through my research (and suggestions from people on this forum , thank you) in case someone stumbles upon this post in the future. Again these programs did not require you to be a new graduate nurse.

1) Moses Cone Health- NC

2) Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center-NC

3) Bon Secours (there are a few hospitals under this company, the program I found is in Richmond, VA)

4) CJW Medical Center-VA

5) Washington Hospital Center-Washington, D.C.

6) Vanderbilt Medical Center-TN

7) Florida Hospital-FL (they have a perioperative program specifically for experienced nurses from a different specialty)

Good luck future OR nurses. The one thing I did note is some of the hospitals seemed to prefer if you are already licensed in that particular state, this is my reason why I narrowed my search down to mostly compact states.

[Amagoo]

Subject: Introduction to Peri-operative Nursing, March 9 - May 11, 2013

A 10 week course based on the standards of the AORN’s Peri-operative Nursing 101 Program. The course includes 80 hours classroom lectures, simulation lab practice and 50 hours clinical. AORN Certificate (40 contact hours) and Certificate of Attendance will be awarded for classroom lectures and the clinical sessions upon completion of the workshop.

Schedule and Location:

Dates: Full day on Saturdays, March 9 - May 11, 2013

March 9, 16, 23, 30

April 6, 13, 20, 27

May 4, 11

Hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Fee: $3,000 ($1,000/month)

$2,000 PBISN Graduates & Beth Israel, St. Luke’s, Roosevelt Nurses

Location: Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing

Center for Continuing Education

776 Sixth Avenue @ 27th Street

NYC, NY 10001

Instructors: BIMC Peri-op Management and Staff.

How to Register:

The Peri-operative course is offered for new graduates and registered nurses. E-mail [email protected] or call 212-614-6177 to register for this course.

Course Overview:

This 10-week course is based on the standards of the AORN’s Peri-operative 101 Program. This course is focused on training and education to registered nurses who are either new graduates or have been previously employed in non-OR nursing positions.

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

I am also interested in Perioperative internships or an OR position that is willing to train. I currently live in Texas but would possibly be willing to move. I've been a nurse for almost 3 years, but I do not have the "floor" experience. For the last year, I have been working in a health center at a residential school and we have many medically fragile children. I also have some ortho clinic and nephrology clinic experience. I was a surgery scheduler at a hospital for five years, and I know this is the area I want to be in. I'm in the process of obtaining my BSN. If anyone knows of any hospitals that might hire me, please let me know! Thnx :)

[Backpackernurse]

I just got into one at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane WA. They will be doing another one in 6 months, you should apply! It is a full-time, paid, 6-month training program if you agree to work there for 2 years (1.5 after the training). So you automatically get a position after the training is over (guaranteed at least 20 hrs per week, no guarantees on what shift though). They take about 10 "students" at a time. I've only been a nurse for 1.5 years and on an adolescent Psych unit nonetheless, so I'm sure they'd love to see a med-surg RN with 5 years experience! In my interviews they said they are mostly looking for people with a good attitude since "they can teach anyone the skills of the job."

[JeannieVoege-Gafa]

Hi all. I'm considering taking the Periop 101 program at Phillips Beth Israel in May. The cost is $3000, and I'm wondering if it will open any doors for me. In July, I will have been practicing as an ADN RN for 2 years, and I'm coming up on my one-year anniversary working with a pain management practice doing admitting and PACU with conscious sedation patients. I love this area of nursing and want very much to expand both my knowledge level and practice. I'm thinking that at the very least this course may open up some doors into the multi-specialty ASU's in my area. Has anyone taken this course? What was the benefit/downfall? PLEASE SHARE :)