My dream is to become an O.R. nurse

[CT_Future_RN]

My dream is to one day become a nurse in the operating room, and I am currently on the journey there. I recently applied to both an ADN and BSN program, one at Capital Community College in Hartford, CT and the other at CCSU. I have extensive OR experience as an Anesthesia Technician and just really know the ins and outs of OR life pretty well—so moving up the ladder and becoming a nurse in one seems only natural to me. My question is, how hard is it to land a job in the operating as a new nurse grad WITH OR experience? Thanks everyone for your feedback!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Please be aware that your experience is not going to be considered OR nursing experience. While you may know the OR environment, you do not know the role of the OR nurse. You will still need to complete a full orientation, and that will open your eyes to how much you don't know about OR nursing. I would definitely not advertise myself as having experience when applying for jobs if I were you- your experience within the OR environment can be elaborated upon in an interview.

[CT_Future_RN]

I am not advertising myself as having nursing experience in the OR; however, working in a surgical environment at a major hospital for close to 10 years, I believe, is a form of job experience in itself. I apologize if my statement wasn't clear--of course I realize that there is always an orientation period in a new role and I would gladly welcome the opportunity.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

You're just beginning your nursing education? I don't think any of us would feel able to predict the future. Specifically, we can't begin to predict the job market for OR nurses 3-5 years from now.

Heck, we're still trying to wrap our minds around the fact that most of America believes that there's a nursing shortage in the USA when there actually is a severe nursing glut in most (not all) markets.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

I think the fact that you know the environment, know the surgeons, nurses, techs and anesthesia providers, puts you in a really good position to network and make sure that you land the position you want when you graduate. Let your hospital management know what your ambitions are and see what they can do to help you fulfill your dreams. Many ORs are not willing to hire on new grad nurses because, unless you have been in the environment, they can't be sure you know what you are in for. You do, and you're going for it anyway! You have to love that! I think you will have a decided advantage over "the pack" when you graduate, just remember to keep those contacts and network like crazy.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I think the fact that you know the environment, know the surgeons, nurses, techs and anesthesia providers, puts you in a really good position to network and make sure that you land the position you want when you graduate. Let your hospital management know what your ambitions are and see what they can do to help you fulfill your dreams. Many ORs are not willing to hire on new grad nurses because, unless you have been in the environment, they can't be sure you know what you are in for. You do, and you're going for it anyway! You have to love that! I think you will have a decided advantage over "the pack" when you graduate, just remember to keep those contacts and network like crazy.

And if/when those dreams don't pan out, just keep on keepin on, with the understanding that times are hard in the medical field.