How do I get into the OR?

[lydiasmom]

Hi,

I am new here and I have some questions; this seems like the most helpful place to find answers! I am a BSN student and I am interested in working the OR when I am done. I am specifically interested in going on the be a Nurse Anesthetist but that will be a while down the road.

Can anyone tell me how to approach getting into an OR after graduation? Do I need specific training, an externship maybe, etc.? Also, when I look online for jobs what am I looking for, is it Med-surg or will it say specifically OR?

As you all can tell I am still such a virgin to all of this! I start my nursing courses this upcoming semester and then I will have a clue!

Also, does anyone have comments about being a CRNA? Are the jobs scarce? I haven't been able to find even one online. If you are a CRNA, how is your job satisfaction and what types of shifts, etc. do you work?

Thanks for all of your help!

[sunnyjohn]

:groupwelcome: :welcome:

The folks in the CRNA forum here are great. They will give you the 411 if you post questions there.

I've never heard of an unemployed (unless by personal choice) CRNA. They really look out for their profession.

[Lasoniamacaroni]

hi! I know for a fact at the hospital I work at....the crna's CHOOSE their hours and days THEY WANT to work. It's a big free for all for them.

The OR is a great place to work. I just graduated in March and that is where I am now! LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!! My concern is that you would eventually like to be a CRNA. The OR is not the place to start for you. You need ICU experience. From what I understand you need at least a year of critical care to even apply to the program, preferably more than a year. The OR will not help you with that profession. Eventually when you are a CRNA you may end up in OR, but you need the critical care experience to back up you learning experiences and what to do in critical situations.