New Grad OR

[natalie29]

I just graduated with my BSN and will be taking the NCLEX next month. I am already looking at job applications and where to apply. I was hoping to get some information; One of the areas I am interested in is the operating room, but what I've seen is that they all require OR experience. I am in the Los Angeles area, and was hoping to get insight on how to begin a career in the operating room.

Thank you!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

You might want to start by looking into facilities that offer perioperative residencies. Because OR nursing involves a steep learning curve, the orientation process is very long- 6 to 9 months for a good program. Because of the length, it's possible that many facilities only offer the residencies once or twice a year. The likely reason those jobs state experience required is because they need someone who can be up and running on their own in a matter of weeks, not the better part of a year.

So, how can you get some ins for getting a job in the OR?

-Start any job in any specialty. This allows you to gain experience, access to internal applicant only job postings, and establish an employment history.

-Join AORN and attend meetings as an opportunity to network. Sometimes, it's who you know rather than what you know that can help land a job.

-Consider relocating or commuting. It's a tight job market in some areas, and from what I've seen here, LA and southern CA is an area where new grads and even experienced nurses are having a hard time finding jobs.

You'll find other information in the OR nursing about what we do, tips, and other good threads.

[natalie29]

Thank you so much!

[FragOut]

I'm a new grad too. I suggested that a friend of mine try this (with a different unit, bit same principle) and it worked. Look at the facilities in your area to see if any have posted job openings for OR nurses, even if they say experience required. Then put on a nice set of interview clothes, print off some copies of your resume, and go introduce yourself to the OR managers there. Tell them you have a passion for surgery and noticed they had open positions that required experience, and were curious if they would consider a new grad applicant/have a PeriOp 101 program, etc. The worst they can do is tell you no. But meeting someone face to face means a lot more than if you just apply or email them, because then you're just some faceless name. Plus taking the time to physically go down there might impress on them that you really do like surgery and aren't just trying to get whatever job you can. OR orientation is long and training is expensive, so if they consider new grads they just want to be sure that their investment will pay off. Maybe tell them you're willing to work weekends, take more call, the shifts nobody else wants, or whatever, to get your foot in the door. If they say no I'd still leave them a copy of your resume.

Good luck!

[natalie29]

Thank you for your advice FragOut!!