Getting experience

paulahill · Jul 18, 2011

I did a clinical rotation in an OR and I had a conversation with the nurse manager who basically told me he wouldn't hire a nurse without at least 2 years of med-surg experience. Of course, criteria varies from facility to facility, but this seems like a trend in specialities. They all seem to want that 1 to 2 years of med-surg experience. Now, how are we supposed to get any experience if we aren't given the chance! I graduated last year from an LPN program and applied to every open LPN position I could find. Nothing. I just began an RN program so hopefully I will get more luck as an RN

Good Luck!

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 18, 2011

I am so sorry that you are having so much difficulty getting your nursing career started. However, you need to understand that the OR is just about the most 'protected' area in health care today. This is an area that is heavily scrutinized and regulated - to protect patients when they are at their most vulnerable state. Everyone has to understand and follow all the rules. There are very few circumstances in which 'extra' people are allowed into an OR.. mostly for formal education of clinical staff. It is all very carefully controlled in order to prevent any loss of focus which could endanger the safety of the patient.

In order to let anyone else in the OR, the patient essentially has to give his/her permission. I have only seen volunteers used to help with the OR waiting area, never in any clinical area.

The only possiblity I could think of is to get a job in the office of a physician who does minor procedures. They may be willing to train, but you could be sure that the salary would be much less than an acute care setting.

cyram81APRN, MSN · Jul 18, 2011

I am so sorry that you are having so much difficulty getting your nursing career started. However, you need to understand that the OR is just about the most 'protected' area in health care today. This is an area that is heavily scrutinized and regulated - to protect patients when they are at their most vulnerable state. Everyone has to understand and follow all the rules. There are very few circumstances in which 'extra' people are allowed into an OR.. mostly for formal education of clinical staff. It is all very carefully controlled in order to prevent any loss of focus which could endanger the safety of the patient.
In order to let anyone else in the OR, the patient essentially has to give his/her permission. I have only seen volunteers used to help with the OR waiting area, never in any clinical area.
The only possiblity I could think of is to get a job in the office of a physician who does minor procedures. They may be willing to train, but you could be sure that the salary would be much less than an acute care setting.

I understand about OR and very strict rules. It does not have be limited to the OR, just any experience will do like acute care too. I am already starting my long term care experience by volunteering. I just want to get experience in any nursing specialty because I feel like my clinical experiences were not much of a help other than just making my clients and nurses happy by being there and helpful to them. I would not care so much about pay as of right now, I just want a good foundation of my nursing experience.