Interested in OR nursing

Specialties Operating Room

Published

Hi! I am new to this board and have been lurking for some time. I am a nursing student at an accelerated 11 month BSN program. Since I just began, I am interested in all fields of nursing, especially perioperative nursing. I am interested in knowing all aspects of this field, good and bad. Is it imperative to take a perioperative course or do some hospitals train you on the spot? How is the pay compared to other fields of nursing? After school, I plan on moving to FL and was wondering if pay is any better or worse in this state. I am from Philadelphia, where there are great incentive packages for nurses.

I would appreciate any feedback! Thank you!

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Well I can sure tell you about Perioperative nursing. I have a BSN, all kinds of Certifications, been doing it for 20+yrs. And I can truly say, a bad day in the OR is better than a GOOD day on the floor. I was an ER nurse before. I have done per diem Med surg Telemetry and ICU just to make sure I could cut the mustard. OR is the best. Check out the perioperative course a hospital says they provide. A good OR will want you to do 1 yr on Med surg before going to OR. I have precepted many RN's and those with floor experience have a head start - unless you have a good perioperative class instructor. You should also be strong physically and able to not take things "personally". If you cry easily, forget the OR. It is a fast, think on your toes job and if you love the challenge you would love OR nursing. As far as Florida - the pay is never more for a BSN in most places. I think I would stay up north if I were not already here. Good luck!

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mkdk80,

Check out http://www.aorn.org for lots of info on perioperative nursing.

Good luck,

Paula

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