Any UK operating department practitioners?

[asolomio]

Hi Im at collegein the UK at the moment doing access to nursing/healthcare, and Im thinking of applying this year to do a diploma in operating deartment practice.

Are there any students or qualified operating department practitioners or theatre nurses on here... I would like to know what you think of the job. Theres little written about it, and would love to hear any stories, views of the job, hours, pay etc...

Thanks xxx:)

[matakamoo]

Hi Im at collegein the UK at the moment doing access to nursing/healthcare, and Im thinking of applying this year to do a diploma in operating deartment practice.

Are there any students or qualified operating department practitioners or theatre nurses on here... I would like to know what you think of the job. Theres little written about it, and would love to hear any stories, views of the job, hours, pay etc...

Thanks xxx:)

Yes I am in my 2nd year my ODP course. I love the job so much so I couldn't imagine doing anything else right now. However I think you need to be aware of the accademic work involved, my 1st year as been hell.....lol

You should look out for open days at your local hospitals, I know the hospital I work in have them. They are informative and you also get to meet 1st and 2nd year students, also pay (bursaries or secondments) and job prospects are unlimited where I am based. I have to say it is the love of being in theatre that keeps me going with the accademice side, there is an awful lot to cram in, in a 2year course. Get as much information as you can before you decide if its what you want to do.

[asolomio]

Hi

Thanks for replying, but im now in my second year too. I decided to go for it, and im loving every minute of it now. Academic work has been intense to say the least but im doing ok so far.

Hope you love it as much as i do

Catherine x

[suzanne4, RN]

Check out the Operating Room forum on this site. Working in an OR isn't really different in your country than from the other side of the pond, as well as most other countries.

[carcha]

Asolomio, just a word of advise. I work in London and have worked with ODP's in the past. While the skill is great in London and a few other places , unlike nursing it is not a portable qualification. ODP's cannot travel and work in the USA, CANADA, or many other countries. I have two best friends, shes an RN and he's a ODP. They want to go abroad but his qualification is not recognised there. You may be better off doing your nurse training and either then going for an ODP course or do an anaesthetic course as an RN. good luck.