2 jobs in 1?????

Published

HI... I need advice from or people.... I got a call from a large teaching hospital's HR dept, asking me if I was interested in a new training program they had for 'perioperative surgery". They said it was a 9 month long training program, and it would include a local tech school that has a scrub tech program come to the hospital and train us.....My question is, arent these 2 seperate jobs, scrub techs and RN's? Are they just trying to save money by combining two positions? I want to take it, because I had always wanted to tap into that area, but never had the opportunity , like this one. But... I dont want to go into less than ideal situation. Does this sound familiar to anyone, this type of program? I am excited, and want to take it, but need to know what you all think of it, as I am a lil unfamiliar with OR nursing.... I just know basics..... All advice and input is appreciated!!!!:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GI, OR, Oncology.

Sounds like a great opportunity! Where I work, all the RN's can also scrub, which makes you much more versatile. We also have a few scrub techs, but the majority of our staff are RN's. I love being able to do both.

Personally, if you have had an interest in OR nursing, I think you should definately go for it.

Christine

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

You can be an RN that scrubs and circulates. This is the way it used to be. Sounds like an exciting opportunity.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thanks marie, smurf.... thats how much I knew... I thought rn's scrubbed and circulated....everywhere....and there were techs for something else.... I am deff going to go for it... will find out when the interview is on tues.... would anyone mind giving me a run down on what it means to "scrub" and to "circulate"........????? Also, what attributes should I be selling myself on? what do they look for? like, I could never in a million years be a floor nurse, and I would never try, but critical care,I can do and I think I can do OR..... how do I convey that?Happy New Year!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

"scrub" is to scrub, get sterile, and either set up the table(s) and tray(s) and pass instruments, or to assist the surgeon.

"circulate" is the nurse of the room, the one that interviews pt., is the pt. advocate, positions, assists the anesthesiologist with intubation, prepping with whatever solution, charting, etc. And typically tapes the dressing on afterwards.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GI, OR, Oncology.

I think if you convey your enthusiasm to work in the OR, it's a good start. Some of the qualities that I think are great in an OR nurse are - flexibility, organization, team player, ability to remain calm in tense situations, strength and confidence - you must be a strong patient advocate.

Good luck!

Christine

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Formal school based "in house" scrub training for RN's is not as common as it should be. Scrubbing makes you a better circulator. Go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

oh my goodness-

this sounds like a wonder oppurtunity-I know it seens scarey at first but once you get into it you will more than likely love it. Got for it--start 2006 off with a BANG!!!

Balls to the walls and enjoy the ride.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ok, thanks , guys. I am officially more excited than I was before....:cool: :yelclap: :yeah: :bowingpur :w00t:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
...They said it was a 9 month long training program, and it would include a local tech school that has a scrub tech program come to the hospital and train us...

WOooOOoOoo HoOOoOoo!!! I'm excited for you! Nurses always make a smooth transition into any new area with a thorough training program. 9 months sounds like they're giving you an excellent amount of time to be master of the universe...er, okay, maybe I meant a great OR nurse...tee hee...I'm still running on the fumes of my holiday egg nogg... tee hee.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion