OR nursing/peri op programs

Editorial Team / Admin · Mar 6, 2015

Are you talking about a periop program that is included in an orientation program or one that will be taken on your own time/dime? Granted, I've been an OR nurse for quite some time, but I do not find the idea of one done on your own time/dime to be beneficial, especially if it is only the classroom or online portion- you need in-person experience in order to put all that stuff in perspective. And if you do get hired as an OR nurse, you will still be treated as a nurse without OR experience, because you will be a nurse without OR experience. What's the point of paying for a program when the orientation program provided will cover all the same information, plus the specifics of the facility?

RN-2014 · Mar 6, 2015

Is it an interview for a periop 101 position? I am a new grad RN and started periop 101 through my hospital that I am hired at. It's a 6 month orientation learning about the OR through AORN. After 6 weeks of classes you take an online exam and precept the rest of the orientation. I felt like it prepared me pretty well but there is a lot of learning involved. Not just the equipment or how to use/ set it up but also knowing what surgeons like which set ups. I'm at the end of orientation and handling my own cases but still learning a lot every day. I would ask in the interview how long the orientation is, how the rotation works through the different surgeries and when you are expected to take call. Good luck!

bugsmom925 · Mar 6, 2015

Yes it's a peri op 101 program through the hiring hospital, not on my dime or time. You are paid through the training. I just am so nervous to make a change from a floor that I'm comfortable with but am not totally happy with. I know there is always a learning curve but my friend who went through this program dropped out because of the way she was bullied and expected to know everything after that six months of training. RN-2014, what hospital or state are you doing this in? I feel so indecisive about it but yet don't want to jump from frying pan to fire. The idea of learning a new skill is exciting to me and I will miss working 3-12's and having days off but 5 8's and no weekends isn't bad either. UGGGHHHHH!!!!!

RN-2014 · Mar 7, 2015

I am in AZ and I have heard that other ORs around here have that "nurses eat their young" mentality. I love my unit and the people I work with! When I hired on I asked about if I would be allowed an extension if still not comfortable, my director said she would then allow me 9 months. Honestly though I am fairly comfortable sometimes I will have other staff come in and check to make sure I set up my room appropriately ie Hana table set up right, fracture table ect. The OR is completely different than floor nursing but I absolutely love it! Also the hours are not too bad I'm working 5 8's right now plus you get call which makes for some great paychecks!