Is OR nursing a good start for a new grad?

Specialties Operating Room Nursing Q/A

Hello everyone! I just graduated nursing school about 3 weeks ago. Think I have a pretty good chance at landing a position as an operating room nurse. I had the opportunity to observe a fee surgeries while in nursing school and I got the impression that the RN really wasn't as responsible for as much as say a floor nurse. Being a new grad I really just want to take a position that will give me a great bit of experience. The OR does sound like a wonderful start I just would hate to take the position and regret it due to not having enough hands on learning in this crucial time. Thanks in advance for any one who can offer advice or suggestions ?

if you know you want to work in the OR, I see no problem with entering the specialty after you graduate. I think many people still subscribe to the belief that it is very important to put in 2 years of experience in medsurg. but if you know what you want I see no reason why you shouldnt pursue it right away!

Specializes in ICU.

The OP ended up in Neuro-Trauma step down nursing.

I would like to add something to other's responses: If the circulating nurse looks like she/he has an easy job, then perhaps they are doing an excellent job. As a student, wouldn't it make an impression on you to see the circulator running around getting things, being unorganized, and looking frazzled? Would the student think, "Geez, this job looks tough! Look how busy they are!" If the circulator role seems boring or not "skilled" enough, then consider all the information that is being processed minute-by-minute throughout the case that they are not verbalizing to you. In my mind, a successful circulator often would look like he/she may have an "easier" job than a med-surg nurse because of being prepared, flexible, and unflappable. I hope this makes sense.

I have 10 years OR experience. It's a learning curve for beginners, and these days it's not outrageous to find new grads straight to the OR. Covid has changed everything. In regards to skills, totally different skill set and mostly can only be applied in OR. You generally won't give many meds, if at all. You'll do Foley catheters and start IVs if you're lucky. But, the OR simply is the most fun place to work in the hospital. You generally get guaranteed lunch breaks (I've been to 4 ORs) - not always the case on the floor. Work life balance is easier. Scheduling is more flexible - more options for working 5 8s vs 4 10s vs 3 12s etc. So truly it's up to you. It can be stressful. I have lost patients, but my ICU friends lose patients daily. Surgeons can be prima donna's. But you do need to do your part in learning the cases and what is expected of you in emergency situations. I stand by my word that the OR is hands down the most fun specialty to work as a nurse. Once you get past the learning curve it's easy as pie. I hardly ever stress anymore 

Soon2BAMALENurse said:

Hey I totally agree with the top post; however, the O.R's the only place I wish to be when I finish school. I will be entering a Pre-Op program as soon as I graduate. I am currently a PCT in a rehabilitation hospital. As a tech that floats around to all floors, I see more and more why I wish to to be an O.R. Nurse. I've worked the O.R. as an instrument tech for nearly five years before deciding to become an nurse. I went the PCT route to get knowledge of nursing and that has helped a lot. The one thing (of several) I've noticed from the O.R. vs floor Nursing is the stress. O.R. Nursing stress levels seem to be a whole lot less than that of floor nursing stress dealing with Dr., patient(s) and family member(s) stress. Yes, part of the role as a nurse is to receive some of that stress as with any role, but if you can help dodge the stress...you've also done your job as well. I only speak of what I've seen, heard experienced from a PCT level, but as a person studying the role, you can pretty much put two and two together.

Just my opinion though...good luck on your decision.

haha, but OR staff could be really rude, worse than on the floor. But I would not choose to work anywhere else other than OR circulator, especially in outpatient setting, there is no weekends, no on call.... perfect! Just ignore some *** surgeons, you'd be fine.

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