Med-surg to ASC?

Specialties Operating Room

Published

Specializes in MS, ED.

Hi all:

I graduated May 2010 and have been working since June on the general surgical floor I worked on for two years as a tech. I live in the New York City area and new grad jobs here have been scarce for some time. My floor was good to me and I felt it was the best opportunity to get my feet wet and learn, though I've wanted to go into the OR since my first rotation there in school. While my hospital's OR NM was kind enough to meet with me, she stated that she has a two year waiting list for a residency position and no room to hire on someone without OR experience otherwise. Fair enough, I kept looking for the elusive OR job.

Finally, I got a call from an ASC and will interview with them on Monday. They specialize in ortho, pain and some vascular. While I would obviously love to get into a hospital's residency program and go through PeriOp 101, I see that this may be the only foot I can get in the door right now with my lack of experience. I just want to be in the OR and would love some feedback about working in an ASC from you all. Good? Bad? Indifferent? Things to look for when I visit the facility? Questions to ask?

To answer the obvious question - I am per diem at my current hospital and will stay PD there even if I take another position.

All advice gladly appreciated!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

I think this is a wonderful opportunity for you to get your foot in the door. ASCs are relatively small and thus tightly knit. The nurses that I know who have worked at ASCs are really happy working there. No call, no weekends, and premium parking.

Great opportunity! Go get it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ASC is great like canesduke said. But do you have any idea if the position you will be offered is in the OR or would you be working pre and post op? If they offer you OR orientation and experience that is great, the foot in the door you need. If they offer you pre and post op only I would take the position but you will need to be the squeaky wheel and bug them to let you cross train to get OR experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MS, ED.
ASC is great like canesduke said. But do you have any idea if the position you will be offered is in the OR or would you be working pre and post op? If they offer you OR orientation and experience that is great, the foot in the door you need. If they offer you pre and post op only I would take the position but you will need to be the squeaky wheel and bug them to let you cross train to get OR experience.

Thank you both for your replies! The position they are trying to fill is for a circulating RN. I've applied several times, updating my cover letter and resume each time I finished a certification or attended events/additional training. I have fingers crossed that I'll be able to get in! It would be nice to work some day shifts and be able to see my family for the summer, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MS, ED.

Update! I got a call back, met the rest of the staff and doctors and was hired last week! I was ultimately offered a position in pre-op with rotation to learn to circulate one day each week. I'm so happy to be in and can't wait to start!!

Thank you all for your replies and good wishes! :):heartbeat:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment