I want to become a surgical/perioperative nurse...

[rissa87]

I am in nursing school to become an LPN. After I am finished with the LPN program, I am transitioning directly into the RN portion of the program.

Enough about me now... My question is this: What is the best way to go about my dream of becoming a surgical nurse? Are there any extra classes I'll need to take? I do have to take Medical-Surgical Nursing classes in my program. But is there any special kind of certification that one has to receive in order to work in the OR? I was reading something recently about a perioperative nursing internship at a particular hospital. Is this necessary or could I simply apply for the position at a hospital after I graduate and pass the NCLEX? Also, can I do it once I have my LPN or do I need to wait until I have my RN?

I am from Ohio, in case the area I'll be working in makes any difference...

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

Most places do take new grads into the OR. The orientation is a long one..the recommended amount of time is 6 to 9 months. Many places call this an internship and there is usually bookwork for a few weeks and then you start the hands on portion.

LPNs do work in some ORs but in most states(including mine) they can only scrub and cannot circulate. Most of the LPNs I've seen in the ORs around here are older too-they're replacing LPNs with Surgical Technologists these days.

There is a lot to learn in the OR because while you do use nursing skills(assessments, foleys, principles of skin care etc) there are other skills that are exclusive to the OR.

I recommend looking for an OR that has a structured orientation. Stay away from those that just throw you in there to sink or swim-that's not good for pts and not good for you.

Good luck!:)

PS There is a certification for OR nurses but it is optional and you can't take the test until you have 2 years of experience under your belt.

[GOMER42]

1) Shadow at a local facility to ensure this is what you want to do. A lot of students think they want OR until they shadow and then they complain that it was "boring" or they had to stand too long, etc.

2) In an LPN or ASN program, I don't think you have the option of taking any 'extra classes' to prepare you for OR. I know BSN programs provide capstone choices, but ASN programs are pretty set in stone.

3) Research local hospital internships. They generally last 6-9 months. You cannot simply graduate and start working cases. You would not have the experience or knowledge required to safely render care to an OR patient. Med/Surg clinicals are not the "surg" you're hoping for. They are on the medical/surgical floor (sick patients, those awaiting surgery or post-surgery). You might be lucky to observe in the OR a few times for these, but observe only.

4) You are not qualified to get certified in periop until you have your RN, 2000 hours experience, and 2 years in the OR. Then you can take the CNOR exam.

5) You could try to work OR once you had your LPN, but if you are going straight into the RN program, I would recommend focusing on attaining your RN. A lot of surgical facilities don't hire LPNs in the OR. There is a trend errupting of hiring RN only staff in the OR. This limits the time RNs have to provide foresight over LPNs and other nonRN staff. This increases room turnaround, allowing the facility to complete more cases a day.

[nickola]

Some hospitals I've worked require that the peri-op RN have a knowledge of all surgical areas- including pre-op & PACU. This enables the peri-op nurse to give lunch relief, breaks, & cover sick calls in all areas of the dept. of surgery. (as defined by AORN: "to practice perioperative nursing to its fullest extent means the nurse

assesses and teaches each patient preoperatively; plans, implements, and

documents perioperative care; and evaluates care postoperatively ) There is training for each area, but it's never boring! It may be different in your hospital. You would only have to take call for your main area- in your case, OR. Good luck!