Getting Started in OR Nursing

[BeccaRN]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this so please bear with me. I have been an RN for 6 years and for the last 5 of those I have worked on a surgical floor. My question is I have been wanting to get in to the OR but everyone wants experienced OR nurses. I have always wanted to work in the OR and that is where I really want to be. How am I to get experience in the OR if no one will give me the chance? Can someone give me so help?

[angel03]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this so please bear with me. I have been an RN for 6 years and for the last 5 of those I have worked on a surgical floor. My question is I have been wanting to get in to the OR but everyone wants experienced OR nurses. I have always wanted to work in the OR and that is where I really want to be. How am I to get experience in the OR if no one will give me the chance? Can someone give me so help?[/quote

I worked on med-surg for 7 years before I got in to the OR....It was something I wanted to "try" and now 20 years latter I am still working in the OR....it was difficult to get in with no experience but I kept trying was rejected twice ....but I kept calling and applying.....I proved myself once accepted, by working in the open heart unit for one of the best surgeons in our area......It was tough but my advice is to apply and ask if you can shadow an OR nurse on your day off......talk to one of the surgeons on your unit see if s/ he can put a good word in for you.... make yourself known......keep trying....good luck

[BeccaRN]

Thanks for your reply angel. I'll keep trying; but, sometimes it is just so discouraging. I've always wanted to do OR and hopefully someday I'll make it there.