landing a job in an OR..

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 11, 2011

This usually depends on the hospital. Some offer an internship, others have different ways of doing an orientation. My hospital used to do AORN's PeriOp 101 course, then decided to design their own. The last several hires, since we haven't really hired an internship class recently, had an abbreviated orientation (although they were hired for a specific specialty when most are hired for main OR- everything except ortho and hearts). The reason we aren't hiring internship classes? We just don't have the openings. There's actually a waiting list for people to pick up more hours who aren't full time yet. Nurses either love or hate the OR. Those who love it typically don't leave until either they retire or they simply can't handle the physical requirements of the job.

Your best bet would probably be to call the recruitment offices of hospitals in your area, and they can tell you how/if they hire those without OR experience. You could also join AORN and attend meetings in order to network.

libra.rn · Dec 11, 2011

thankyou for the info.

just_kate · Dec 15, 2011

I graduated in May 2011, had one year of LPN experience, and just got a position as a circulator. It just depends on the company! GOOD LUCK! And keep applying!

CIRQL8 · Dec 31, 2011

I was hired right out of nursing school. Been in the OR my entire career. I love it and I'd have it no other way. As said before: it depends on the institution and the circumstance of the day! Many offer Periop101 by AORN as part of the training process. I think it is helpful, but even more helpful if you get two or three months of hands on training first, so it is better understood. Then complete the orientation process. Orientation to the OR is much longer than any other unit. There is so much to learn and it is all fascinating. Do not let it overwhelm you! That's why orientation is 6 to 12 months depending on the institution and the specialty / specialties offered. When you interview, believe me, they can tell if you are genuinely interested in the OR.