How I got in the Operating Room as an RN in a year.

[harrycat1987]

Wow. It had definitely been a journey since I passed the NCLEX. Time flies guys but I do feel 10 years older. Haha! Welcome to the Nurse Life right?

A little background about me. I graduated from the Philippines in 2009 and took me 8 years to finally get work visa and take the NCLEX in 2016. (see previous blogs)

After I passed my NCLEX i immediately started applying for jobs and landed a job as a Nurse Manager in a Long term care acute facility in 2 weeks. Yes, they hired me as a Nurse Manager as my first nursing job and boy was that a lot. Haha. I got lucky though. The Director of that place was very helpful and full of encouragement. I have met a lot of my friends there in nursing even though the job was very stressful and BUSY, I was able to make it cause of the other nurse managers I worked with. So, I worked in the Bronx, NY with zero experience and landed this job through NY workforce (a govt agency helping people get jobs for free). And my salary was $69,000 a year. Yes. I was a very happy new nurse. But I also felt like they made me work for that money. whew.

Guys, just so you know, it's sooo hard to get in a hospital as your first nursing job and it almost seems like you have to work in a nursing care facility before you can get anywhere. I know some say it's possible. and yes it is, it will just take a lot of time, luck and lots of looking. I didn't have time. i wanted to start making money ASAP.

Now, fast forward to 6 months. A recruiter has emailed me about an Operating Room job 4 hours north from NYC where I lived and it says wiling to train new nurses. Man was I interested. Ive always wanted to be in the OR and this might be it!!

So, after applying and a phone interview, i accepted the job and here i am packing my bags. Now guys, I didnt know anything about this area, this hospital, etc outside from google info. All I know is that it will get my foot in the door for my OR dreams.

What I'm trying to say is-- know where you want to be and get there. Even if meant leaving your loved ones behind temporarily to pursue your goals. Be brave and take risks. I am also getting paid much less here than when i was a nurse manager. But hell, when i go back to work in NYC i will be earning so much more!!

So keep your eye on the prize! Stay focused and work hard. There was a nurse residency program where i was hired and basically had to be trained in the OR while getting paid like a regular employee with full benefits. So if you have to move or travel far, go for it! Its only temporary.

Where am I now? I am still working at the same hospital but I am ready to meet my next goal... Travel Nursing- to expand my skills and make so much more money. See where this is going?

I've had a plan all along..

Don't be discouraged. Everything is attainable. There will be lots of roadblocks but there is always a way if you're willing to figure it out and make the right sacrifices.

May the force be with you, always.

[mskw]

Congratulations on your achievements! And hats off to you for believing in yourself and not being afraid to move or venture somewhere unknown. I am still a hopeful nursing student, but it is always encouraging to read of others' successes. Best of luck to you.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

Congratulations! You're going to love the OR. I made the change after 10 years. It's crazy, busy, fun and the best part is ONE patient to focus on at a time.