Need a change: OR or Criticical Care

CoolhandHutch, MSN, RN · Apr 29, 2005

I need some career opinions. I am a RN, BSN looking to change from a physician office back into the hospitals for more options/flexibility. I can't decide on OR or critical care. There's a tech school nearby that will offer a RN periop program for around $3000.00 in May. I can't decide whether to take it or not or just go into critical care. Basically I'm looking for something interesting with plenty of options and a decent salary. I'm leaning towards relocating down the line and travel nursing has my attention as well. Please share some opinions as this decision is driving me crazy! I'm interested in OR nursing however I'm also interested in the ED. HELLLP!!!!!! Thank you in advance.

$3000? Save your money. I started in the OR and was trained to scrub first and circulate later. Your hospital should having some sort of program for this. My two cents? I went from the OR to the ER and have no regrets. Part of the reason is that I am working on my NP and needed more 'clinical experience', but the ER is a blast. What interests you? The OR is very methodic (except trauma teams...now THAT'S a whole 'nuther post) and there is very little nurse autonomy. It also depends on what facilities are nearby. Rural hospitals carry a very different surgical load than urban hospitals. How important is patient interaction and patient teaching to you? In most larger ORs, the perioperative nurses have limited opportunities (if any)- it is very 'skill/procedure' focused.