Need help,

[NewbieRN818]

Hey all!

I am a brand new nurse and am applying to GN programs. I got a call from Florida hospital in regards to their cv-or program. I enjoyed watching surgical procedures in school and am REALLY interested in assisting and participating in the surgeries rather then being a circulator all the time. Can anyone tell me if I take the Florida hospital program if I will be able to partake in the surgeries or if I will mostly be acting in the role of circulator? Thank you for all your help!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Best bet is to ask during an interview. Many facilities do not have RNs scrub. That role is filled by surgical technologists, who do not require licensure and are typically paid much less than nurses- in my facility, their max pay is about the same as new grad nurse starting pay. Other facilities, especially if they are teaching facilities, will have residents and fellows who assist. In the CVOR, I would also expect that the first assistant is much more likely to be an NP, PA, or RNFA who would have a much more expanded scope than an RN or ST. Yes, there are facilities that train nurses to scrub, but I would wager that it's more of a minority than majority that does.