Foot in door?

jmlowe85 · Aug 2, 2012

Call the department and ask to shadow some days.

Editorial Team / Admin · Aug 2, 2012

Look for facilities that offer nurse internships or residencies. Some offer AORN's periop 101 class, which you may also be able to find offered at local colleges (for a price). Keep an eye out for internal job postings. Although some may say experience required, apply anyway- the worst that can happen is they toss your application in the round file, the best is that someone just might give you a chance. As jmlowe85 said, shadow. This gives you an opportunity to get your name/face out there, and also allows you to see the real world of the OR- you'd be surprised how many applicants have a completely romanticized idea of what being an OR nurse is. Look at possibly joining AORN, and networking at chapter meetings.

TUNikyRN · Aug 11, 2012

I am a new nurse from Philly. I received my liscence in November of 2011 and I was just accepted into a new to practice cohort and the position I was offered was the OR!!!!! :) My dream job since nursing school!! I had to interview with HR and in front of a panel of NM and then in front of the OR team director educator and manager! It went fab and I will be starting in September! My only experience was LTC for 7-8 months!! I still am on cloud 9 and can not believe that this is real!! So it can happen!! Good things happen to those who wait!! If it was meant to be it will be!! Good luck!! Never give up your dream!! We work too hard!!!!

KatieBug713 · Aug 29, 2012

@tunikyrn

That's so wonderful I'm glad you got the position, thank you for the uplifting thoughts! I just applied to another resident or position today so crossing fingers! May I ask, was it at the same facility you got the or position at that you worked at previously or was it different? I have 5mo ICU experience but after deep thought I chose to leave that facility as it had many problems and I didn't see it as safe care for the patients!

Thanks everyone for your responses

TUNikyRN · Aug 30, 2012

The job I still have is an LTC facility. I applied to the hospital and it was over five months until it became official! This is the first time for the cohort to be permitted to train and work in the OR! Do not give up!! Your desire and persistence shines through!!! Good luck!!

Deucedst · Aug 31, 2012

Hello,

I am working for a trauma 1 teaching hospital in Philly. It took me two years to finally get hired. I like my job but know that I want to move to the OR. So I am planning on taking a perioperative course in the spring with hopes that it once I'm finished I can move into the OR by this time next year.

Reading this post has helped me realize that I can eventually get to the OR....

Thanks!!!

ACaring&Sweet,Rn · Sep 1, 2012

I'm a fairly new RN, I have worked about 5 months in ICU (med-surg). I would really like to be in the OR but it seems everywhere I look wants experience only (that being OR experience) but how does one get into the OR as a nurse to get that experience if no one will accept one that doesn't have OR experience. What is a way to even begin to get your foot in the door. Seems almost impossible to become an OR nurse. I'm from Texas.

Hi, KatieBug.

I am from Texas also, and i am having difficulty getting into the OR. I currently work on a med-surg floor at a hospital. This hospital i work at doesn't have no internships. I have been there about seven months now. I have been trying to apply for transfers to no avail. I always wanted to work in OR since nursing school, and i know this is something i always wanted. I am going to take a peri-op program (at the local college) next spring, and i hope it helps getting an OR position. I have applied to other internships, but haven't heard anything. I think something will come through eventually if we just keep trying. Hang in there!!!!

danno32608 · Sep 1, 2012

Hello guys, my name is Danny. I have a problem in which Im seeking an answer to. I have been an OR nurse for >30 years and achieved many awards.

3 years ago, I was caring for my father who was dying of Ca. I dont know why or how, bu tI'm taking responsibility for my actions.

After my dad passed away, I fell into a deep depression and attempted suicide twice. To counter act my depression, I began to drink heavily. I was non-compliant on my meds. What I needed was to grow the **** up.

I treated my patients with quality nursing skills. But I didnt know how to take of myself. My performance declined.

Finally I was sent to seek profesional help.They couldnt find the right meds to treat me, so I took off and proceded to try to get myself together.

I am a hard working professional nurse.I moved away form home out of necessity and take care of my mom.

Its been 3 years since I worked in an OR. I am trying with great difficulty to get back to work and be where I know I should be. I have backed myself into a corner as I cannot get my foot back in the door. Sorry Im so long winded. I could surely use some advice from my peers.

I have been clean for over 2 years and regularly attend AA with a sponsor. Thank you and God Bless you Danny RN [email protected]

HollywoodDiva · Sep 2, 2012

For Danny C, sign up with your local registry to smooth you back into OR, a day or two. Travel assignments are always an easy way to get back in if you've been out of the Main OR for awhile.

KatieBug713 · Sep 6, 2012

Thank you all for your responses! I'm keeping a positive mind about finding an OR position, fingers crossed and praying! I pray that you all get your desired OR positions as well! God Bless!