New RN getting a course on Surgical Tech... Any advice please

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Hi there im RN in my country of origin. I used to worked in Southeast Asia as First Assist Nurse for three years I even joined Operation Smile missions... Now Im a New RN after passing the nclex. I also have BLS-HCP and ACLS certifications by AHA. Unfortunately, I couldn't land on a job as OR Nurse/Scrub Nurse since employers are looking for job experience here in US. I tried to apply for other nursing fields like home care, PACU, Ambulatoy Surgery but they do look for related experience also here in US. Im getting frustrated. So, Im planning/forced to get a course on surgical tech to land on a job as a surgical assistant and eventually or [hopefully] will lead me to OR nurse position. Others suggested me to apply for Nurse Aide position just to get my feet on the door. However, I still need to enroll to CNA program.. Operating Room Is always the place where I want to be as a nurse. HELP! Should a take a course? on what? [sigh!] Any say on this matter will be greatly appreciated. Is there a nurse and surgical tech out here?... which school to go? Thank you so much guys....

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You might get better response posting in the OR Nursing section under the specialty tab.

I would guess that 3 years volunteering for Operation Smile as first assist would count for a lot of experience, but maybe I'm wrong. Are you applying all over the US? I've heard Texas is still open for new grads. Since you've passed your NCLEX, taking a CNA course or even surg tech in my mind would be a step backwards, since you have your heart set on being a nurse in the OR. The 3 jobs are so different, and where I work, we don't have CNA's.

I'm sorry you haven't had any luck, but unfortunately, things are tough all over in the US. :(

I wish you the best in your journey.

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Specializes in PeriOperative.

Surgical tech programs are generally a year long, and very expensive. I doubt you can take the certification exam without the course.

If you feel that you have run out of options, investigate scrub programs in your area, but scrubs earn less than nurses, and you would probably just end up learning things you already know. The biggest benefit would be the externship, which would help you get your foot in the door somewhere.

Keep applying. You might want to go over your resume with someone to make sure it is really representative of your skills and abilities. Good luck.

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Surgical tech is another degree. I would get a 2nd degree. If you're doing that, you might as well just get your BSN (if you don't already have it), or MSN.

Everyone, in every field is having a hard time landing a job. I would highly suggest that you not create more debt by getting a degree in a different field.

CNA programs are not that expensive. You should actually be able to take the CNA test if you challenge the board.

Have you applied to PCA/PCT jobs? They usually do more than a CNA and typically work in hospitals. CNA's where I live only work in LTC's.

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at least around here....you cannot work as a tech or CNA if you hold an RN license. OP will need to gain experience in nursing and with the ACLS etc. that's a plus.

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Thanks guys for all your response. I do have my BSN already... I look at the school for surgical tech, yeah it quite cost a lot, and it takes long, i cant afford to study while im out oj jobs. Also I might end up learning what I already know so its not practical at all... CNA are a little less expensive though.... [sigh!] very frustrating these days... I hope i will find one. Im in the island of hawaii things are hard here i think even all across the other states. Thanks again for the inputs guys.

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Specializes in LTC.

i know its hard to look for a job now a days, and its really frustrating. i am an RN BSN too, but i started working on LTC last 2009 soon as i arrived here in US. i am trying to look for a job in the hospital but they said that i don't have experience in acute settings here in US. i applied in there NEW GRAD program but they said im not a new graduate anymore since i graduated 2006. like you, i like to work as an OR nurse, but unfortunately hospitals don't give me chance..=( I dont know what to do.:confused:

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