new grad OR interview

[magallanes]

]I am a new grad and have been an ER Tech for 4 years before I became a nurse. I have always been interested in the OR after shadowing a few surgeries and really like the team atmosphere. I've read a few threads on here discussing the pros and cons of a new grad beginning in the OR. I was recently called to interview for two operating teams as a new grad nurse!! The interview is next week.

A couple of questions...

Is this unusual that a new grad would be asked to join an OR team?

What should I specifically ask about in an interview other than what primary role I will be hired to fill (scrub, circulator, etc.)?

Thanks in advance for all the (hopefully) responses!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

- Orientation

o How long does it last

o One preceptor or multiple- Multiple can lead to a little bit of confusion because each one expects you to do things their way

- Call requirements

o When would you start taking call

o Opportunity for "buddy call" before taking call solo?

o Response time- can mean you would have to make arrangements to stay closer than you live

- What shift would you work?

o Some facilities require a set number of off shifts (at my facility that includes 11a-7p and 3p-11p as night shift is permanent) while others have permanent off shift staff

o Are weekends required?

- What specialty would you work in?

o Some facilities break people into single specialty teams, others are mix and match/jack of all trades

o Some facilities that are strict specialty teams require specialty call- could mean call more often

- Rundown of a typical day

o Gives you an idea of just what is expected other than just circulate or scrub

- Life support class requirements

o Some ORs require only BLS, others require everyone to have ACLS, some require only certain teams to have ACLS (only open heart surgery RNs at mine need ACLS)

o Timeframe to attend these classes if you haven't already

[srandall1492]

First, congratulations on becoming a new RN and also for getting an interview! It was only a few months ago that I got my first interview as a new RN, and it was for the OR! My interview process was somewhat long and very scary! I remember one question I asked that she was so excited to hear was "what would you expect of me as a part of your team?" She told me what a great question it was and went through exactly what my expectations were. That also gave me a chance to confirm that I was perfect for the job! I did get the job and I am in the middle of a peri-op program right now (6 months of training)! I would make sure that you are going to be able to go through the peri-op program. As a new RN we know hardly anything about what it means to be an OR nurse, it wasn't something we ever focused on in school. I am so excited for you, if you get the job we can talk peri-op program together! I would say for your interview, be very confident and show some personality. You should be warned about the strong personalities in the OR and that you need to have thick skin and always have a positive attitude. I honestly think it was my smiling face along with my outgoing personality that landed me the position. Good luck to you! I hope everything works out!