Operating Room to Floor Nursing

Nurses General Nursing

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Greetings!

I started in the Operating Room right after completing nursing school. I have treasured my experience but I am looking forward to advancing my career and becoming a NP. I realize that it is important for me to get direct-patient care experience and broaden my nursing scope of practice in order to best serve my patients, especially if I'm going the FNP route.

During my extensive job hunt, I have learned that med/surg floors would rather hire nurses with acute-care experience even if their only job requirement was "2 years of Registered Nurse experience." I just feel trapped and feel like I missed out on the fundamental core of nursing. Luckily, I have been able to align a few interviews but have been meeting resistance once they learn that my only nursing experience is in the Operating Room.

Any tips on how to "sell myself" as a strong candidate for these positions?

Thank you!

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

For one, I would abstain from telling anyone that you are going to floor nursing because you need it to pursue your FNP. I would also be cautious about verbalizing your observations of "During my extensive job hunt, I have learned that med/surg floors would rather hire nurses with acute-care experience even if their only job requirement was "2 years of Registered Nurse experience."

Most employers will wonder why you would want to leave a coveted unit to one that is not necessarily so. Put a positive spin on it and mention something to the effect as wanting to broaden your skills and learn a new area of nursing.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ER.

I hadn't heard that OR was 'coveted', but it's certainly a world unto its own.

You certainly know the importance of teamwork in the OR. You've been successful in a demanding specialty.

Maybe if you emphasize your desire to connect with your patients and hear their stories? OR is all about teamwork, but you miss out on the rich opportunities to explore the humanity of patients, which is fascinating.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
2 hours ago, Emergent said:

I hadn't heard that OR was 'coveted', but it's certainly a world unto its own.

You certainly know the importance of teamwork in the OR. You've been successful in a demanding specialty.

Maybe if you emphasize your desire to connect with your patients and hear their stories? OR is all about teamwork, but you miss out on the rich opportunities to explore the humanity of patients, which is fascinating.

Oh but it is! 1:1 patient ratios....... ?

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