Is it true that OR nurses......

cwazycwissyRN, RN · Apr 18, 2006

I was just wondering if it is true that OR nurses don't get paid that well? I heard that wages aren't too good for OR nurses. Thanks!

Not true

shodobe · Apr 18, 2006

Far from the truth. The fact that you can OT when the rest of the hospital is forbidden to stay even a few minutes tells you there is money to be made. Also working outside the hospital is a real advantage, especially if you have a number of years of experience. I made about $130,00 last year, you tell me if OR nurses aren't paid well. Also it does depend where in the country you live and other factors, so what I make in Calif might translate into lower wages for the same amount of work elsewhere in other states. Check it out.

RNOTODAY, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2006

Not true. The pay is the same for all RN's, not different rates for specialties. In fact, factoring OT, call pay, we might make a little more!!!! But, as a rule, the hourly rate is the same as any other RN in the facility.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Apr 18, 2006

Hourly rate is the same as the other nurses where i work. I won't brag and post the average yearly salary, though.

staceyp413 · Apr 23, 2006

I've been in the OR 10+ years and wage has never been a issue for complaint....you will usually end up making more than your supervisors (call/OT/etc)!

shodobe · Apr 25, 2006

I love bragging about what I make a year because it has taken me almost 30 years to get where I am today. I want younger nurses to know their potential and what is available if they apply themselves. Yes, you probably will make more than your boss because they can't get OT and call time. If you are ambitious, you can make what you want. OR nurses have always had that potential and they should always take advantage of it. Mike

jenni82104 · Apr 28, 2006

Generally speaking, can you get a position in the OR right out of school, or do you usually have to have experience?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Apr 28, 2006

You can get one out of school.

HRM672 · Apr 28, 2006

If you do take a position in the OR immediately after graduation, won't you miss out on getting a basic foundation in nursing? I was under the impression that if you take a position like that, you won't ever be able to leave OR nursing if you wish and do something else. Is that true?

I was interested in OR nursing when I first started school, but now as I near graduation, I have been deterred from it.

HRM672 · Apr 28, 2006

As I re-read my post, I realized it may not have come out exactly right. I don't mean to suggest that OR nurses do not have that foundation, I just wonder if you can get there exclusively through working the OR. I don't know.

dee2b · May 1, 2006

I think I am in the same situation as you. I graduate in 3 weeks, and am deciding if I want to go straight to the OR or do some time in Med/Surg. Have you came to any conclusions?? Have you gotten any advice. I doubt that I want to stay in OR for my whole career. But that is where I want to be now. Will I be ruining any opportunities later in my career?