intersted in peri-operative

[jglindsey]

Hello,

I will be entering a program in the fall. I am very interested in peri-operative nursing, but it seems that it is not much of a focus in ADN programs (ADN to BSN track, but intend to work as ADN initially, while getting BSN). I am just wondering what steps I should take to get there, what questions to ask in my program. Is it something that Newbies shouldn't expect to do?

Thx

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Unfortunately, very few nursing programs offer more than a very quick look-see at peri-operative nursing. In the past, some programs used to offer additional time in OR it as an 'elective' clinical experience but I haven't heard of it recently. There aren't many nursing faculty who are familiar with OR, so this may also be contributing to the lack of student exposure.

If you're interested in periop as a specialty, I strongly urge you to pursue it!! There is evidence that Periop nurses are our "oldest" specialty in terms of average age.... this means that there are going to be significant numbers of them retiring in the very near future. Training takes longer than other specialties - about 12 months just to function as a generalist & at least 6 more months to become competent in a surgical specialty area such as neuro or CV.

If you're keen on OR, I recommend making contact with an OR manager/director. Let him know about your interest & see if there are any non-licensed positions that you could do while you're in school. Stay in touch so that you'll be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that present themselves.

Wishing you the best of luck on your educational journey.