Fulltime in the OR and PRN elsewhere?

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Hi OR nurses :)

I will be starting my RN clinicals at my nursing school this Fall. And, I know this is wishful thinking at this point, its a bit too early for definite decisions on a specialty. But, I am really interested in OR nursing after graduation. I've been reading many of the threads in this section for some time now and it seems to me that some topics keep popping up. "Can a new grad get a job in the OR and should they." or "Get floor experience first before diving into a specialty." My question to you all is: Is it possible to do both, and has anyone worked fulltime in the OR and PRN on med-surg, ER, ICU...whatever?

I know I will learn the skills specific to the OR setting, but I'm sure I will lose any general nursing skills, and I want to avoid that. What would you suggest? Advice? Thoughts?

Thanks :)

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Specializes in Sleep medicine,Floor nursing, OR, Trauma.

Good evening--

It is absolutely possible to be both an OR nurse as well as a ::fill in the blank:: nurse PRN. I happen to be an ICU nurse on the side.

My advice: Choose one place to start and get experience there before trying to add the other. Two very important reasons:

Uno: Orientation is freaking exhausting. Not to mention mentally and psychologically taxing. Trying to orient in two different places would be overwhelming to say the least. Allowing yourself time to settle will ensure that you are able to be clear headed and dedicated in whatever you pursue.

B: Time demands and schedule changes are typical between orientation and being a true blue full time nurse. Couple that with call demands and the scheduling balancing act alone could drive one to drinking....and no, I'm not talking about the relaxing glass of wine at the end of a tedious day.

I believe you will be surprised as to how many nursing skills you actually use in the OR....provided you have the wherewithall to pursue using them.

Good luck to you.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

You'll also want to investigate the call requirements as well. I work on a cardiothoracic team, and the call requirement itself is basically like working an extra half-time job. And while some of your skills may get rusty (I haven't started an IV the entire time I've been employed at this hospital because preop starts them all before I even meet the patient), you will also learn a lot of new skills that maybe you wouldn't have the opportunity elsewhere.

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Specializes in OR.

poetnyouknowit is right on the money!

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Thank you ladies :)

Your input has been very helpful. I'll remember this and consider it after I graduate and start my job hunt. As of right now, I see OR nursing in my future but I'd also like to do something else PRN on the side. I'm glad other nurses feel the same way.

Thank you :hug:

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Many people I work with have contingent or part-time jobs on floors. Many of them took the floor position full time right out of school. They then transferred to OR full time and used their floor experience to either continue on the same unit contingent or pick or a different contingent floor position at another hospital so that they don't mess with the whole shared employee/too much overtime problems.

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