How to get into the OR?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 28, 2017

It all depends on your facility or other facilities you may choose to apply for. Some will take new grads into the OR, others won't. I can't really say there's one specialty or another that truly prepares you for the OR- we're our own little world behind those double doors. But, if you can't get in as a new grad, having an employment history, good evals, things like that, can only help you should you decide to transfer.

Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN · Jun 29, 2017

I agree with Rose - there is no particular area which prepares a nurse for a transition the world of OR.

The hospital near me has an internship specifically for new grads. I think you'll tend to find those in larger healthcare systems.

One thing - how much shadowing, if any, have you done in the OR? It's one of those things you have to see. Typically, as a nurse, you'll be circulating and your priorities are completely different than in many other areas of nursing. The anesthesia team does a lot of what one would think a nurse does. Also, scrub techs are used a lot in the "hands-on" roles because they are cheaper and are educated and train for that specifically.

My last word of advice? Acute care experience of any sort will never *hurt* you, only help. This includes MedSurg, but also stepdown, telemetry, ICU, ED, etc.

Alexxoxox, BSN · Jun 29, 2017

I agree with Rose - there is no particular area which prepares a nurse for a transition the world of OR.
The hospital near me has an internship specifically for new grads. I think you'll tend to find those in larger healthcare systems.
One thing - how much shadowing, if any, have you done in the OR? It's one of those things you have to see. Typically, as a nurse, you'll be circulating and your priorities are completely different than in many other areas of nursing. The anesthesia team does a lot of what one would think a nurse does. Also, scrub techs are used a lot in the "hands-on" roles because they are cheaper and are educated and train for that specifically.
My last word of advice? Acute care experience of any sort will never *hurt* you, only help. This includes MedSurg, but also stepdown, telemetry, ICU, ED, etc.

I actually only want to become an OR nurse because I want to become a Surgical APNP with RNFA. Unfortunately it will take a few years of OR experience before I can get my RNFA.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 29, 2017

I actually only want to become an OR nurse because I want to become a Surgical APNP with RNFA. Unfortunately it will take a few years of OR experience before I can get my RNFA.

You'll need to make sure that OR experience includes scrubbing- not all facilities will utilize RNs in the scrub role because surg techs come out of school trained to do that exact job. And they receive a lower salary than a nurse.

OR RN87 · Jul 1, 2017

I recently just moved from med/sure floor nursing to the OR. At my facility, they do hire new grads. The OR is so different from any type of nursing I have done, so orientation is 7-9 months long (nurses also scrub and circulate). As for being hired, I emailed the manager from the OR and asked for a observation day. I applied for the job right away and thankfully was hired! I recommend OR nursing! I actually look forward to work ðŸ˜Š But I would shadow at least one day to make sure it is for you!

pbnjs · Jul 13, 2017

I was able to get into a new grad OR program. It really does depend on the hospital. As a student, let your preceptors know that you are interested in OR nursing and they might be able to get you extra observation days in surgery. When I was a student, I mentioned that I was interested in OR nursing and one of my preceptors arranged for me to meet the Chief Nursing Officer at the hospital who was a former AORN president. Ended up having lunch and discussing OR nursing. Try networking now as a student! Join AORN, attend a local meeting, talk to the manger of surgical services at the hospitals you'll be rotating at. Good luck!