Attention OR Nurses

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi. I am getting OR nurses' attention because I want to have an idea how it is to work in the OR in California setting. I am currently working in an ortho floor for over a year now but less than 2 years. I found out that they are hiring OR nurses in the same hospital where I am working.

When I was in nursing school, I love my experience in the OR. Discovering and exploring new things everyday and every case. Can you give me your suggestion or opinion on right steps to do. Do you think they will accept me based on my minimum experience? If so, how do I start applying? Do I need to consult my current director or apply for the position first and see?

All suggestions are welcome and I give you thanks in advance. Have a nice day.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Most ORs take new grads, so your experience should be fine. Check and see if they have a periop training program in place. The OR is a different beast, so expect to be on orientation 6 to 9 months-this is the same whether you are a new nurse or just new to the OR. Good luck.

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Specializes in Med/surg/tele/OR.

I love working in the OR (even if I currently am not doing it right now). It is totally different type of nursing. A periop training program will definatly help you out quite a bit and don't expect to feel totally comfortable on your own for at least a year. Oh yeah and people that work in the OR tend to have "personalities" try not to take it to heart and just do your job the best you can do and you will be fine. It beats bedside nursing any day

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Specializes in ED.

I am just a nursing student but my very good friend took an OR job last year. She had to take the hospital's 4-6 month periop class and had to sign a 2 year contract to work in the OR and she ended up in an OR suite that she hates. It is an ortho suite and she really hates the doctors in there. While she was doing her periop program she did a day or two in another area and loved it. I think her biggest complaint is the lack of appreciating where she is now more than the work itself.

I shadow in the OR a few times per semester with a CRNA and I love that atmosphere but there are definitely personalities in the OR and that can be tough to deal with sometimes.

Before I took any OR job that requires a contract, I think I'd ask to shadow one day or two before I decided. I'd hate to commit to working like that if I hated it.

meredith

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Thanks for your response. I felt excited though of reading your responses. So, what step do I need to do? Do I apply first to the OR position and see the result? then If ever I got the position, resign on my current position? Or talk to my manager about applying onthe position on same hospital so that they can recommend or help me out? :nurse:

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Thanks for your response. I felt excited though of reading your responses. So, what step do I need to do? Do I apply first to the OR position and see the result? then If ever I got the position, resign on my current position? Or talk to my manager about applying onthe position on same hospital so that they can recommend or help me out? :nurse:
This can depend on your boss..are they supportive etc. Some NMs hate to lose a nurse to the OR so they may give a half hearted reference. Not saying your boss would do this, just throwing that idea out there.

I think the first step would be to talk to the OR manager to see how they go about taking new people into the OR..then apply and lastly, I would mention it to your boss. This way, if the chances of you getting into the OR right now are slim, you won't have alienated your present boss and of course, it's all in the way you present this to him/her.

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Some employers have a policy that your present manager cannot delay your transfer by more than a certain time period - maybe a couple of months? Not sure.

I would apply to OR first, that is, talk to the OR hiring Manager (not HR). See if they have openings now or when they anticipate having an opening. I think most managers like transfers from within their facility, as the transferee knows a lot about the facility already.

It would be a courtesy to your current manager to let her know you are thinking about a possible transfer, you love working for her but feel the need to stretch and grow in a slightly different direction, something like that. But don't do this right away. To me, the longer you can keep a secret, the better. If she hears about it before you tell her, well, just say you meant no disrespect but you feared that she might be upset or something like that. This all depends on your relationship with your manager.

Never mind personalities in the OR. There are personalities everywhere. Just be yourself. Keep a sense of humor, be humble but not obsequious, just work hard and do your best. Soon, most people will like you and see you as an asset. Don't argue with anybody.

Hey, good luck.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Thanks for posting this. I too was interested in the OR. Speaking of personalities in the OR--I posted a similar thread months ago in the OR category. One person was posting how the best OR nurses are always new grads. Overall, his post was discouraging. This thread is a lot more friendly.

Anyway, good luck to you and hope you get that position!

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Specializes in M/S Short Stay/TCU.

I second the motion.... I too am currently looking for a Perioperative/OR program to get into in Philadelphia area. Hopefully, a hospital in my area will post one soon.:idea: Anyway, This thread indeed gives great advice & feedback... :rolleyes:

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