How to become an OR nurse

RMH_RN_EMT · Nov 4, 2009

Just apply to your hospital periop service. If they hire you, they should give you at least a six month orientation in which you will learn equiptment, instruments, procedures, positioning ect... In my dept you dont have to have extra schooling, but after you've settled in it might be a good idea to do CNOR certification. I would also maybe get on amazon and look for used books relating to instrumentation and procedures.

OR male nurse · Feb 4, 2010

I'm a newly licensed RN (graduated in May) and have been woking on a med/surg unit for about 4 months now. I would like to get at least a year of med/surg,but I'm really interested in OR. Any tips on how to transfer over to being an OR nurse? Do I need any extra school? - Or should the hospital provide some sort of internship and/or training? Any advice would be great!

Apply for the job and hope that you don't get eaten alive. Working in the OR will test your resolve within the first month. Either you can handle it.. or you can't. I've seen soooo many students break down and cry. We have a saying where I work that 'what goes on in the OR stays in the OR"

ksreuter · Feb 6, 2010

I agree. Get some experience on med/surg first. Then, talk to your employer, they may let you shadow an OR nurse so you can see what's going on and see if it's something you're really interested in.

Argo · Feb 6, 2010

If you want or go straight to it. Medsurg wont help in the or......

cornpoohRN · Feb 6, 2010

Just apply. See if the hospital you work in offers perioperative residencies. It is very intense in the OR but once you are there you will be a forever OR nurse!