how long is a GOOD orientation length? Jobs with contracts?

[sophie<3]

I have no prior OR experience and am interested in applying for a job with 6 months of orientation! Is this the standard for OR??? Most orientations I know of are 12 weeks max! Also, are jobs with contracts (~2 years) also the standard in periop?? Thanks in advance :)

[Amandachs]

I'm a new grad, and was offered a similar orientation at a large hospital in the peri operative specialty. I would assume its standard, as even nurses who were switching specialties were offered the same orientation. We will go through all of the different surgical specialties, and I'm assuming that has something to do with the length.

[ORoxyO]

Six months is pretty standard for the OR. Mine was 9 but now it is down to 6 due to low staff. It's because of all the specialties and the fact the the OR is a whole new world that nursing school barely even touches on.

Many hospitals want you to sign a contract because of the long time they spend training you. It's expensive. Plus, if it is like in my hometown, people go to the large urban hospitals to be trained then flee for cushier suburban hospitals as soon as they get that golden year of experience.

[JillyRN]

I agree with previous posters. Six months appears to be standard and usually a contract is required. I'm almost done with a 6 months OR Residency program and even after I finish, it's another 3 month orientation to the specialty I stay in. Once you start, you'll appreciate the long orientation because it is a whole different world. I had applied to other programs that were very similar and all did have between a year to two year requirement after completing the program.