How do I get to a certain specialty in the hospital?

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Specializes in No specialities a this time.

I became an Rn last year and I have been looking for a job since then. I have my heart :redbeathe set on working in the Operating Room. Well I had one interview for an OR position awhile ago. I call the OR manager at least every other week to check on it. I know the manager is tired of me calling. It has been several weeks and the position is still open. I really really want to work in the OR. I also have had interviews for other positions at different places. I didnt want yall to think that I am just waiting for an OR position. I have my Cpr, Acls, etc. What else can I do to increase my chances of getting into the OR. Just about all of the OR positions say that you have to have at least one year experience in the OR. So how am I suppose to get that when I cannot even get my foot in the door :crying2: ? Thanks.

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you can try to volunteer at a hospital, join some OR associations & keep current with OR news.... shows a lil more interest than just having acls, cpr ....

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

I know I sound like a broken record (some of you will be too young for this reference, lol), but join the AORN (the national OR nurses organization), and then begin to attend and participate in the local chapter activities.

Meet people, network, and use your contacts to get into a position. Jobs in the OR can be hard to get and the more people you know on the "inside" the better.

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Specializes in LTC.

I don't know what the job market is like where you live, but I would suggest getting experience in another area of nursing and keep applying. Experience seems to be what most of the people doing the hiring are looking for.

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Specializes in ED.

Does the hospital have a periop program? Our hospital here offers a 6 month program that guarantees you a job if you pass. The catch is that the student signs a 2 year contract agreeing to work in the OR at one of the two affiliate facilities. I know of two new grads that did this program last year. One loves it while the other hates it but really thought that was where she wanted to land.

I would also see if you can shadow in the OR for a few days. You may decided that the OR just isn't your cup of tea. I've been shadowing with a CRNA and I love her part of the OR team but I'm looking at the circ nurse and she is basically charting and counting supplies that whole time. I just don't think that is what I personally want to do. While shadowing, I did get to go to pre-op and PACU and I really like those areas. Who knew!?

I'd be willing to bet that if you shadowed enough and met the OR coordinator and showed some interest it might at least open some doors for you.

good luck!

meredith

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Specializes in No specialities a this time.

Thanks for all your replies. They all seem very helpful. I know for sure I want to work in the OR. When I was in nursing school, I did several rotations through the OR. Just being part of the OR team seem exciting and I know this is where I want to work. Unfortunately, I live in a small town and the nearby cities aren't very big either. The only surrounding hospitals that I apply with doesn't have any periop programs. I wish they did or I would have already signed up. I am just hoping to get a chance to work in the OR. I might just have to get Experience first and then see if I can transfer to the OR. I looked at the AORN website and it looks very interesting, but quite expensive to join.

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Specializes in Oncology.

Take any RN position at a hospital that has that specialty- like a lot of surgeries. Watch for internal job postings. Apply for those. Once you've got a foot in the door, things get easier.

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Specializes in No specialities a this time.
Take any RN position at a hospital that has that specialty- like a lot of surgeries. Watch for internal job postings. Apply for those. Once you've got a foot in the door, things get easier.

Your so right, blondy2061h. I will just have to apply at hospitals with that specialty. I can work on the floor for awhile and watch for internal openings such as the OR. That will probably be the only way to get to the OR since it is so difficult to get there otherwise. Thanks.

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