New Grad Straight To OR

Nurses General Nursing

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Just curious if anyone here on the board went straight into the OR after graduating. I'll be graduating in a year and so far other than L&D, the OR seems to be calling out to me. I'm tired of hearing the usual "you have to work in med/surg for a year before you can get into the OR". I've been working in the ER for the last three years as a tech/NA, therefore the transition to RN in the ER setting would be somewhat effortless; unfortunately I'm burnt in the ER. I feel with my extensive acute care experience, moving straight into the OR could be a relatively easy transition. Anyone know of any hospitals anywhere in the country that might offer this kind of opportunity for new grads?

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I have definately heard of new grads going straight to the OR. I would just ask around and apply at different places. Good luck!

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Specializes in Rural Health.

Sure, lots of ORs hire new grads. It's not unheard of. They would of course prefer some experience because all experience is a building block to the next road in your life, but it's not unheard of...no.

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Yes, many new grad go straight to OR. Many of my classmate including my friend. My friend now is an RNFA in OR. The hospital paid for her to get this training.

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The problem isn't really the experience. It's whether or not the hospital wants to train you to work in the OR or not. OR nursing is very different from any other floor nursing, thus it costs a grip of money for the hospital to train you, since nursing education generally does not provide such training. Training often includes OR procedures, setting up OR rooms, learning all the instruments, supplies, etc. My recommendation is that when you do get a OR nursing job interview is that you fully express to them your intention to stay with them (for a VERY long time):chuckle, so that the agency will feel that their money was well invested.

Hope this helps. Currently I'm an OR nursing extern, and this is what my manager stressed before he even hired me as an extern.

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