How to get into Periop Nursing

WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN · Jun 28, 2014

I accepted a position as a Circulating Nurse for a Children's Hospital, and I start on the 14th. My story is that I'm a new grad and recently passed the NCLEX. Even though you aren't a new nurse, have you looked into any Intern/Residency programs to get into periop nursing?

Good luck.

Don

TraumaORnurse · Jun 28, 2014

I found a Peri-Op program. Most larger hospitals seem to have them, which I had no idea about for a long time.

MereSanity · Jun 28, 2014

They really won't help unless you can be in the OR at the same time to back up the education. I got into the OR with no prior experience....6 months of orientation (maybe more), peri-op 101 from AORN. Love the OR....been there 6.5 years.

MereSanity BSN, RN, CNOR

rnkv · Jun 28, 2014

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I applied to a Periop 101 program at a hospital. It it was so competitive I didn't get in. Would my other options be to find an outside program and pay out of pocket? If so, is their a website I can find accredited, legit programs?

MereSanity · Jun 28, 2014

No! Without direct interaction in the OR the program will be useless to you...trust me...I've taken the course! It's a pricey program...you need to study it AND do it daily.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 28, 2014

Would my other options be to find an outside program and pay out of pocket? If so, is their a website I can find accredited, legit programs?

I think the better option would be to wait until you can get into a hospital's program. The reason being that yes, a class can teach you the theory of the basics, but it is the hands on experience that helps with retention and connecting theory to practice. Also, many hospitals will tailor the program specifically to their needs. Even if you do an outside program, you will still need the orientation program for that facility- and whatever program you pay for is not going to count as OR experience. Why spend the money? Especially if you may not get a job in the specialty for a while.

newnicurn · Jun 29, 2014

I am relocating to get into OR fellowship program because the few in my area are super competive. I am a BSN trained RN of 9 years. There is a community college that has a periop program in my area. Hospitals are so deseprate for OR nurses a few will accept graduates of the program. Talk to the places your applying to see if they willing to accept you after the program.

ChelsyPatino · Jul 14, 2014

How do you even become a CVOR nurse?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 14, 2014

How do you even become a CVOR nurse?

Apply for a job advertised as working in the cardiac ORs. Some facilities will have a specialized team; others will have everyone do everything. Some specialized teams may require OR experience before being permitted to apply for CVOR positions.

Cindycin37, ASN, RN · Oct 8, 2014

I graduated in 2011, found a job working in a GI office in 2012 and stayed there for 9 months. Left the GI office to pursue a hands on position. It took me over a year to find a job at a SNF. I finally found a job in 2014. Sadly, I left there after 6 months. The company was sold to another company which increased patent load with no support. Now I'm in the process of taking prereq's full time so that I can get into an RN to BSN program at UIC. During this time of unemployment, I reevaluated my goals and what I really wanted to do with my nursing career. I've decided that I want to work towards a career in surgical nursing. However, I'm unsure as to how I will accomplish this. I feel that every job posting in the surgical areas ask for 1-2 years of experience. Can someone tell me how to get experience with no experience so that I can apply for a position that will help me pursue my goals?

MereSanity · Oct 8, 2014

I just kept applying and trying at different hospitals....I took a part time job just to get in but always got to work full time due to the need. After awhile I got officially hired as full time. Oh, sometimes the hospitals no one want to work at hire faster than the good ones...sad but true...good way to get experience though! Good luck!