How do I get operating room experience?

[sammybart1]

I'm an RN and I've always wanted to work in the OR, but don't have the experience. I was wondering if anyone has taken the surgical tech. course as an RN and if so, how did it work out? What are my other options?

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

I haven't worked there. But I had wanted to right out of school. Spoke with a manager there; she had told me they wanted a yr of experience on the floors before they would consider me.

I never went back, as I guess where I am you have to take call, and I live too far away.

I've heard though that as an RN,you probably don't need to take a surgical tech course, as that is not what you will be doing.Unless you are in a small facility and rotating. Where I am they have plenty of surgical techs.

Anyhow, I know some places offer internships. Mine doesnt- it would be on the job training. But like I said, the manager I spoke with said to come back after a year on the floors. So look for some hospitals that might offer good training programs.

Maybe you could ask HRor a nurse manager of OR if you could shadow an RN in the or. That way you could put out the feelers.