If I can't get straight into an OR job, which dept is best?

Published

I am graduating soon and would LOVE to be an OR nurse. It has been my goal since the start. However, the openings are scarce. What do you guys think would be the best unit for me to pursue as an alternative to gain experience and keep trying for an OR?

There are several PACU openings in my area and I was thinking about that. Any advice would be great!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-Op.

Pacu is part of the periop team so if you can't get into OR, Pacific would be a good start. Where do you live? Feel like giving up any of your vital stats?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I live in the Detroit Area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peri-Op.

Pacific. LOL. I meant pacu. Auto correct on my phone is funny.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Pacific. LOL. I meant pacu. Auto correct on my phone is funny.

I figured that was what happened. I knew what you meant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Open heart surgery.

Hi, I knew I wanted to be in the OR after my first day of OR rotation in nursing school. A friend of mine gave me the best advice ever......she said to work med-surg for one year before going to the OR. I did (two years), and I believe it has made me such a better OR nurse. You will be more familiar with disease processes and their relationship to the current surgery, you will be more conscious of what you do as an OR nurse that can effect the floor nurse, you'll learn patient advocate techniques, medications, and much more. If you need to work in PACU to network closer to the OR that is one thing, but the floor experience would be very valuable. Just thought I'd share!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

OP,check with hospitals in your area . They may have a peri-op program for new grads. Usually, it's the teaching hospitals that offer this, but not always. Many people go straight to the OR and do fine. Sometimes, if you start out on the floor, it can be hard to get in to the OR later because your boss doesn't want to lose a nurse..so they give a lukewarm recommendation. This happened to a friend of mine.

OR nursing is its own beast- what you learn in med/surge is not all that helpful and sometimes, people that come from other areas have trouble making the adjustment. If you really want the O R, why waste a year somewhere else? That's a year of OR experience you could have had under your belt. Good luck!:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S Short Stay/TCU.

You all give great advice... i want to get in the OR soon. I live in Philly and its very hard. Periop programs are scarce. during my search, I came across 1 periop position available in my area... of course I didnt get it, but now i am currently in a Grad Nursing Residency Program which is great for now.... i am still hopeful that I will gain entrance into the OR someday...:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion