How to break into OR nursing

LuvScrubs2, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2011

WoW Im hoping to get into the OR as well

shodobe · Sep 10, 2011

I was recently offerred a position in the OR after 1 year experience as an ICU nurse. I do not have my CCRN and i'm also seeking my BSN. I also asked during my interview what qualities/education they are seeking in a candidate, and they told me ICU nurses usually do well in OR, but they often hire new grads. I work in the upper midwest, so that may be completly different from where you work - just thought i'd share.

Well to tell you the truth it doesn't matter where your experience lies, it's the desire to WANT to work in the OR that really matters. Just having a welll rounded knowledge in nursing is a great asset. I know there are those out there who think that fresh out of school is good enough, but I differ in that opinion. A OR nurse is a well rounded, detailed oriented individual who ferrets out the most information out of patients. This doesn't mean they are a ED nurse who pick out the details of someone about to have a HA or a ICCU nurse who can read EKGs better than most cardiologists. I have seen the most veteran nurse with the most years in their specialty completely bomb out in the OR because they can't hand;e multiple tasks at once. It doesn't mean they aren't smart or very skilled, it just means they can't handle going from a simple hernia one moment to a AAA the next. Usually they are taking care of the same patients day in and day out with little change in their condition. So you can see I don't really care where they are coming from, I just want someone who will gut it out and make my time in training them worth the time. New grad, or old veteran it doesn't matter.

Christie F · Sep 10, 2011

Most hospitals have internship programs for RNs. They will choose the few they think are the best candidates from applicants that typically come from within, usually a medsurg or tele floor. I see a lot of talk on this thread about ICU nurses coming to the OR, but it's very rare to see that. Surgery is a completely different world from any other place in the hospital, including ICU. Most ICU nurses aren't interested in OR nursing. Put simply, OR is dealing with anatomy, and ICU is dealing with physiology. I spent a year in ICU after 13 years in the OR, and found it challenging and fulfilling - There's a satisfaction that comes from managing a patient physiologically.

Bottom line is the best way is to get a position on a floor, get your year or so of experience, and apply for internship positions when they become available. The training typically lasts from 6-9 months, then you're part of the OR staff, scrubbing and circulating.

coconutzz · Sep 12, 2011

I did my practicum for my BSN in the OR and hoped to get a position there after graduation. It didn't work out because they wanted to hire someone with 2 years experience. I was told to apply at a particular hospital (by someone who knew my disappointment) and got an interview for a surgery position. When I went to an interview, they informed me that they were doing a perioperative class and hiring 12 people at once to train. My advice is to keep applying and keep asking people what they know. I had no idea I had stumbled on this great opportunity and I love it! It is treated as an actual class and we are learning the theory as well as the skills we will use to be successful OR nurses. While I am sure that the people who suggested getting certifications/experience saw it work for others, I seriously think that the timing has to be right. By constantly talking and applying for jobs, you increase the chance that you will hit on an opportunity you may have not found otherwise. Good luck! I would be so unhappy if I had to work any other kind of nursing first before I could have a chance at the OR, it really is the only kind of nursing I like:)