Can a new grad get hired in the OR and other questions?

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Hello all,

I'm currently taking my prerequisites for Nursing. I was wondering if a new grad can get hired in the OR? Is there any difference between OR and Perioperative?

Also, do all hospitals use RNFAs? is that something that you can go to school for? Or would it be better to be a Nurse Practitioner?

Sorry for all the questions! I'm just really interested in OR Nursing!

Thanks!

:redpinkhe

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Specializes in O.R., Endoscopy, PACU,Pulmonary Stepdown.
Hello all,

I'm currently taking my prerequisites for Nursing. I was wondering if a new grad can get hired in the OR? Is there any difference between OR and Perioperative?

Also, do all hospitals use RNFAs? is that something that you can go to school for? Or would it be better to be a Nurse Practitioner?

Sorry for all the questions! I'm just really interested in OR Nursing!

Thanks!

:redpinkhe

Hi!! I am a 2 year B.S.N RN in the O.R..love it. I also do PACU and Endoscopy. O.R is part of perioperative nursing. I actually went to take a 3 month perioperative nursing certificate course to help me learn more about this and better my chances of getting into the O.R and it definitely helped! Do you have any colleges or hospitals around you that offer something like this?

It was great b/c I was able to gain REAL experience scrubbing/circulating in a level 1 Trauma center. Not all hospitals have RNFA's. The only ones that usually do are smaller hospitals that don't have residents. If you're at a big teaching hospital with residents/interns , they are the ones that do the work of the RNFA so there is no need for one. RNFA is also totally different than NP...i've never seen an NP in the O.R.

What do you want to do? It is very hard for a new grad to get hired in the O.R. b/c they have no experience so I would get your degree, pass the boards, get floor experience for a 1-2 years, and find a place that offers a perioperative training program.

Hope that helps!!!

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hi nurse lisa,

just wondering--- where did you do your nursing certificate course?? did you complete it after your boards? thanks!

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I don't know if she meant Perioperative Nursing Program from AORN. If it is, here the information that might help you.

You can try to find place that offer OR class in your area. Here is the link:

Online Directory

Or online class information:

Periop 101 : Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

I am taking class at a local college. It's cheaper than the online one.

Ohh and nursing students can take this class too. You dont have to be an RN. We have nursing student in our class too.

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I don't know if she meant Perioperative Nursing Program from AORN. If it is, here the information that might help you.

You can try to find place that offer OR class in your area. Here is the link:

Online Directory

Or online class information:

Periop 101 : Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

I am taking class at a local college. It's cheaper than the online one.

Ohh and nursing students can take this class too. You dont have to be an RN. We have nursing student in our class too.

This is really great information! Unfortunately, CA doesn't have any University or CC course available. Is the cost for you the same at the college than what's listed on their website? Do you also get a year of membership?

Thank you!

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What class are you taking at your local college , an OR course?

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Yes, CA does offer the course.

When you are on Online Directory page, choose CA, click ALL on program type and Search. There are 7 University/CC that offer Perioperative Nursing Program. I am in CA and taking the course.

My class costs $375 + $80ish for the book.

A membership doesn't come with my class. I don't know if Periop 101 online class gives a membership too. But I am a AORN member. I applied as a student. It's only $20.

Operating Nurse Flyer2[1].pdf

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Specializes in Only the O.R. and proud of it!.

I got hired into the OR right out of nursing school. It can happen, but it's not the norm. Some hospitals offer PeriOp-101 as part of the orientation to the OR. We do not have a periop courses at any colleges/universities in my area. Unfortunately most nursing programs as eliminated much of the peri operative portion of their programs. Some hospitals offer intern/externships and offer the OR as a choice. Usually those programs are offered to nursing students entering their final year of their nursing program. These programs are not always advertised, so call each hospital and ask directly. Most offer to their own nursing students first and open up to others if spaces are available. As you can imagine, the pay is non-productive to the hospital. It is usually used as some type of adjunct to getting interest to their institution. (brain freeze - can't remember the word...).

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Hi, I' ve been a scrub/circulating nurse in the OR for 1yr. I got in thru a fellowship program in my hospital. I have been told new grads do get hired but it depends on job availability and how fast they need someone. If they need someone right away they will want an experienced rn. So keep looking for hospitals with these programs. Also I work with NPs, PAs and RNFAs. NPs/PAs work for surgeons or groups privately. They have masters degrees and do the job of the RNFA. RNFAs are usually employed by the hospital and work in many areas, assisting in positioning, providing retraction/ suction and wound closure. Requirements include RN 2ys OR experience, 2surgeon recomendations and completing a certification program. 2 yrs experience is the minimum, there is so much to learn it could take longer. Good luck -I love it!

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I am an RN with an associates degree, I worked in an outpatient pain management setting for almost 4 years. Part of my job was to assist the doctor with procedures such as epidural, nerve block injections, etc. I'm now very interested in working as an OR nurse but I am not sure if I am elegible for it. I also, check the website to get a certification, but it says you need to have 2 years of experience as a perioperative nurse, would my experience work as a periperative nursing?

Can I work as an OR nurse with an associates degree? please help :)

Thanks

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I am a new grad and have interviewed in the OR and have my peer interview next week. I'm really hoping I get the job. So yes, OR's do hire new grads. At my hospital the new grad OR orientation is 8 months long, with classroom time and preceptor experience.

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I was hired straight into the OR out of nursing school. I did have some experience as a nurse extern which helps with basics like sterile technique and what to expect in the OR. Its unlike anything you've learned in nursing school (granted, you use info like vital signs, etc) but most of what you learn will be on the job training. Its an amazing area, and so rewarding! My advice, try not to let yourself get overwhelmed! You'll get it! It might take a good while, but just focus on the patient and try your best and you'll do fine!

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