O.R. nurses, can you tell me if I'm crazy?

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Hello to all you fellow O.R. nurses. I currently work in the O.R. at a very large health care system. I have been there for one year and 4 months, and will be leaving in May.

My career path is on a very different direction than being in the O.R. While it has afforded me invaluable experience, my goal is to pursue my Masters in ANP, and specialize in Cardiac medicine. The O.R. was a great fit for me as a new RN, and new mom. The schedule and hours worked for me. Now it is time to move on.

I want to go for my master's soon. Do you agree with me that going to another area of nursing *ie: Critical Care, ER, etc. would be the correct path for obtaining an advanced degree? I know I will need experience in any of these clinical settings to be a good practicing ANP anyways. Unfortunately, the O.R. affords NONE of this experience. I don't even get to put in I.V's!!!

Just want to see if you all agree...I know that many of the RN's who I work with in the O.R. have been there for decades, and that is what they specialize in, and prefer. I also know that as far as RN "experience"...the O.R. quite often "doesn't count" in the eyes of prospective employers. Not even for med-surg! That's why I felt I had to move...and, I do need a change.

Thanks for your advice!

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Well, I am in the same situtation. However, I want to pursue CRNA and I have to put in at least one year on the unit. The problem is trying to get out of the OR back onto the floors. I have been in the OR for almost 3 years, and it has been so hard. Fortunately, I have an interview in the morning and it looks promising. So, I guess what I am saying is do it soon and get out before you are looking at 3 years in the OR. Good luck!

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Hi orrn518...

YES! That is exactly what I am afraid of! Being in the O.R. is NOT like being a nurse on other units. They do not consider this experience interchangeable with med/surg, etc. Although I do think we are now more marketable because we do have the O.R. experience.

I have been on the unit over a year, and realize it is time to go. I do not want to get stuck there and find myself frustrated, like I already do. I have lots of friends there, and enjoy working with many people there, but that will not get me any closer to my future goals! Time to go!

I have another position already...I am going for my pre-employment physical tomorrow. I get my official offer paperwork then. So happy.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!! Post when you are done with the interview...I am praying for you!

:)

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"Not even for med-surg!" What makes you put it that way? If you are applying for med-surg jobs, I would avoid any kind of phrasing that makes it sound like you think med-surg is basic, easy, etc.

I think you're right that you'll want some different patient care experience--either a cardiac floor or a floor where you'll get plenty of cardiac patients in addition to other diagnoses. You might find that your heart lies somewhere else.

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"Not even for med-surg!" What makes you put it that way? If you are applying for med-surg jobs, I would avoid any kind of phrasing that makes it sound like you think med-surg is basic, easy, etc.

I think you're right that you'll want some different patient care experience--either a cardiac floor or a floor where you'll get plenty of cardiac patients in addition to other diagnoses. You might find that your heart lies somewhere else.

I apologize, I did not mean to make it sound easy...I know what those nurses go through, and managing 8 patients is NEVER easy! I meant, that for many new grads and inexperienced RN's, they will often recruit onto a Med Surg unit, that's all. I, having never worked anywhere BUT the O.R., can't even apply my nursing experience to a Med Surg unit! That's why I know I need to go somewhere else, to sharpen my assessment skills, etc....and it won't happen in the operating room!

Again, sorry to offend if I did!

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