OR nurses, I need advice : )

[stn2003, RN]

To make a long story short, I am 2 months shy of graduating. I work as a tech on a busy cardiac/med-surg unit, and have been offered a graduate nurse/intern position there after graduation. I feel comfortable there, have been there for a year. It is safe. It would not be a bad place to start a career.

BUT: I saw a job posting today for an OR position at another hosp. that would underfill with a graduate nurse. My heart jumped. I loved my OR rotation in school the most, but didn't think that they accepted new grads. So I am considering interviewing for the position, but must admit that I am afraid to leave my comfort zone.

Any words of wisdom? How are new grads treated in the OR? Is it better to get med-surg experience first, or better to learn the specialize ways of the dept. as a fresh new grad?

Any replies will be very much appreciated.

[ORSmurf]

I know it can be hard to leave your comfort zone, but you should go for it. What have you got to lose by applying and going for an interview? I am a new RN grad in the OR and I LOVE it! It's very challenging. If you think you'd enjoy it, then you should try it. I had worked in the OR as an LVN/Scrub, so I already knew I'd found "home". I've been treated extremely well, but I don't know if that's because I'd already worked there. I think it's a bit tough for new RNs no matter where you work.

Best of luck to you!

Christine

To make a long story short, I am 2 months shy of graduating. I work as a tech on a busy cardiac/med-surg unit, and have been offered a graduate nurse/intern position there after graduation. I feel comfortable there, have been there for a year. It is safe. It would not be a bad place to start a career.

BUT: I saw a job posting today for an OR position at another hosp. that would underfill with a graduate nurse. My heart jumped. I loved my OR rotation in school the most, but didn't think that they accepted new grads. So I am considering interviewing for the position, but must admit that I am afraid to leave my comfort zone.

Any words of wisdom? How are new grads treated in the OR? Is it better to get med-surg experience first, or better to learn the specialize ways of the dept. as a fresh new grad?

Any replies will be very much appreciated.

[IVyPush-her]

Have you thought about spending a few days in the OR? I am a new RN grad and I work in the OR. However, I did an internship during my last year of school. But before that I knew the OR was for me. During my rotation I fell in love with it. I spent my days off in the OR watching and learning. I wouldn't change a thing.

[suzanne4, RN]

I agree with the above poster. Try to shadow a nurse in the OR for a few days at the facility where you are considering applying to.

And if you love it afterwards, then go for it. :wink2:

Just remember that each hospital operates differently, so just check out this one out first.

[OnCall4Life]

My motto is "nothing ventured, nothing gained!" I have heard pros and cons on the subject. You have to do what feels right for you. Having floor experience would be of benefit to you but it is not necessary for you to be in the OR. Good luck what ever you decide!!!