Future OR nurse

[ralph6262]

Hello, I am 99% sure I want to work in the preoperative field when I graduate, and hopefully for my entire career. I am currently at the end of my 3rd year of RN school and got offered student job placements in a holding/recovery area as well as an offer in oncology. I accepted the holding/recovery area because it is more my area of interest. Do you think I should get experience on a floor before entering the OR? Or since I already know I love the OR atmosphere do you think I will be fine entering the OR right away?

Thanks!

[williams84]

I am currently a new OR nurse. The only "floor" experience I have is from my clinicals in nursing school. I knew I wanted to work in the OR the minute I walked in to observe. I joined AORN as a student and applied and got an internship in the OR. I was offered several jobs when I graduated in December, but the only one I wanted was in the OR. Since I've started my orientation, I have seen quality nurses from both the floor and straight from school. I don't think experience anywhere else really determines if you'll be successful or not. I say, if you want it, go for it. It really is a great environment, in my opinion.