How to get a job with my limited experience?

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Hi, I'm an OR RN with a little over an year experience as a circulator. I resigned my current job recently to relocate to a big city. I worked at a small community hospital with 5 ORs and have circulated through all surgical services. I can circulate comfortable in general, ob-gyn, GI, and ENT cases but not in ortho(except minor cases), neuro and others. I've been taking calls and in charge on weekends for about two months.

I applied for four hospitals last week(via mail, online and email) and I didn't get any responses yet. I think it's the problem with my short experience. My resume and the cover letter were reviewed and well written. I got a couple of honors in nursing school and have a foreign language skill, too. I'm getting worried and even thinking of going to school for a surgical tech for more experience if I can't get a job in the next two months. I can scrub minor general cases, c-section and simple laparoscopy cases but I love scrubbing so much and want to learn as much as I can to pursue my goal becoming an RN first assistant. Is this a bad idea? It seems like most hospitals want at least two year experience in the OR as a requirement.

I'm also wondering if I can get into a RN internship program in the OR.

I'm not really concerned about getting a job but I would like to hear your opinions. Thank you for your help.

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Ask about a new grad program or preceptorship. Check your local community college for an RN based program for OR. Forget scrub tech school. It is too long and your skills allready surpass what you will learn there. The most important thing to do is join the local AORN. I guarantee results from networking with local members!

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Where do you want to work?

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I would look for a training program that will give you more scrub experience.

There are facilities out there that will do that, some will require a two year commitment for that training. You will find it usually at the larger teaching programs, or in hospitals that actually offer the RNFA program.

Good luck. I am sure that you will find what you are looking for. Are you also willing to move to another city?

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