Getting into the OR

Editorial Team / Admin · Apr 9, 2017

I would keep an eye out around the time that nursing schools graduate. Because the OR is such a different environment than anything students are exposed to in school, the orientation (new grad or experienced nurse changing specialties) is quite long- 6-9 months, in fact. Because of the length of orientation, some facilities may only hire 1-2 times per year.

I honestly don't think going to school to be an ST is really going to help- it's going to cost you money, and depending on the facility, RNs may not be heavily utilized in the scrub role.

Join AORN and go to meetings- it will give you a chance to network and get your name out there.

lisabasilern · Apr 9, 2017

Thanks so much for your advice, I truly appreciate it!

Lisa

Green Tea, RN · Apr 14, 2017

Can you move to the Midwest if opportunities are there? I have no clue how much you are willing to work in the OR or if you are flexible though.

lisabasilern · Apr 14, 2017

Thank you for the suggestion. Wish I could but I can't go that far!

Niki312 · Apr 16, 2017

Hey!

I just got accepted into an OR residency! Before that, I looked at a billion OR job postings, and I didn't see one that preferred to see scrub tech experience from a nurse that didn't have OR experience. That's not to say it won't help, because during the two OR interviews I had, they both wanted to know if I had any at all experience in the OR, but I feel they wanted to know more if I knew what the OR was like, not if I had any scrubbing exp. Too many people on here tell you what to do, so I say do what you like, but if you're ever wondering what OR positions want from you, I say go on Indeed.com and look at the job postings! They usually straight up tell you.

Have a good day!