How to transition from floor nursing to OR?

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I really wanna be an OR nurse. Unfortunately, my first job wasn't in the OR. I'm now trying to look for another job and would like to try OR but most of the job postings require 2 years experience. I don't qualify for new grad programs anymore. How do you transition from floor nursing to OR?

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Specializes in Med Surg.
I really wanna be an OR nurse. Unfortunately, my first job wasn't in the OR. I'm now trying to look for another job and would like to try OR but most of the job postings require 2 years experience. I don't qualify for new grad programs anymore. How do you transition from floor nursing to OR?

You'll find OR just as challenging, demanding, frustrating and stressful as floor work...only it will be your coworkers causing the stress instead of the patients! :eek:

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Specializes in PCCN.
You'll find OR just as challenging, demanding, frustrating and stressful as floor work...only it will be your coworkers causing the stress instead of the patients! :eek:

please elaborate......

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ArtClassRN, it seems like you are reading my question wrong. I was asking how I can transition to OR from floor nursing, not how stressful OR is compared to floor nursing. Thank you for your input though.

I welcome everyone's answers but I'm hoping to get more objective responses that actually answer my question.

I appreciate everyone's suggestions or advice. Thank you.

P.S. I've decided OR is what I wanna do even when I was still in nursing school. It's not because I want to get away from floor nursing.

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Hello, I have worked in the OR for 5 or so years and am now a supervisor. I know that many facilities accept only nurses with OR experience, but in our city there are 2 different university hospitals. Both of them accept nurses without OR experience. If you have a academic hospital in your area you may need to look there. The OR does have a learning curve, but each nurse brings their own knowledge base that can be very helpful. If you have worked in the ICU it is a large asset. But again, it is not necessary. I have been very successful in the OR and love it, but came from postpartum and a peds clinic before that. It takes patience and time to learn the OR and sterile technique, and yes to learn the different ways that OR staff communicate. It is a rewarding job though and well worth it!

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Specializes in Med Surg.
ArtClassRN, it seems like you are reading my question wrong. I was asking how I can transition to OR from floor nursing, not how stressful OR is compared to floor nursing. Thank you for your input though.

I certainly did read it wrong. Don't drink and post!

To transition to floor nursing, apply for floor nursing jobs.. :woot:

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Hello I have worked in the OR for 5 or so years and am now a supervisor. I know that many facilities accept only nurses with OR experience, but in our city there are 2 different university hospitals. Both of them accept nurses without OR experience. If you have a academic hospital in your area you may need to look there. The OR does have a learning curve, but each nurse brings their own knowledge base that can be very helpful. If you have worked in the ICU it is a large asset. But again, it is not necessary. I have been very successful in the OR and love it, but came from postpartum and a peds clinic before that. It takes patience and time to learn the OR and sterile technique, and yes to learn the different ways that OR staff communicate. It is a rewarding job though and well worth it![/quote']

Thank you for your response. I very much appreciate it.

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ArtClassRN, you're kidding, right? :facepalm:

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I worked or for 3 years and transfered to the icu for the last three you can do it!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I too am seeking a job in the OR. Unfortunately, my hospital requires a year of acute care experience (which I am almost done with, yay!!), as well as completing a rigorous operating room training program. I think if you present yourself well, elaborate on your critical thinking skills and show that you've learned a lot from floor nursing and are willing to dive in fully and completely into the job, I think you should have no problem. Also, NETWORK. I have networked with the nursing director of the operating rooms as well as the individual charges and supervisors. They've given me loads of tips and seem very excited to see my application :) Best of luck to you!

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Thank you everyone for giving some insights. I'll probably try to get at least 2 years of Med Surg then I will try to apply for open OR positions. I'm also looking into nursing informatics. But I'm not sure how to get into that field either. I'm keeping my eyes open. Again, thanks everyone for your input.

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Good question!! I've been asking myself almost the same thing, except mine is more along the lines of how a LPN can gain the experience to work as a surg tech in the one hospital around that will hire LPNs to work in the ST role but also want 1-2 yrs experience in that role...

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