I want to work in the OR

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 4, 2014

Rose_Queen,
So I do have to find OR's that work with the program right?

Not necessarily. Some ORs will have their own program rather than one that must be purchased from AORN. Others may not have any program and throw new hires to the wolves with minimal inadequate orientation. Others will be somewhere in the middle.

How were you able to secure specifically 9 Months of orientation?
Was it because that's how long the course was structured to last when taking it at a facility with a preceptor?

AORN's program is primarily computerized modules (PowerPoints when I went through the program). The 9 month structure is the orientation structure at my facility. Each facility will structure orientation in its own way. I think you are focusing too much on "course". What a new OR nurse needs is a structured orientation that lasts long enough for the nurse to become proficient when working independently. Whether that orientation includes a formal "course" depends on what that facility's structure and budget is. This is why new grads (and even experienced nurses) need to know up front before accepting a job what the orientation period will be and will consist of- to ensure that it will enable them to succeed.

bella201 · Jul 4, 2014

I said course because I thought the orientation had to follow a course along with the orientation.

And I wanted to take the course to open doors for myself as it seems that getting into the OR field is somewhat difficult as a new grad or otherwise. That way, recruiters can see that I'm serious and interested about wanting to work in the OR.

But what I really want and care for is that I get a sufficient amount of hands on experience that way I'm prepared when I work independently regardless if I take the course or not.

You are lucky you had a pretty sufficient amount of hands on orientation that lasted that long; that is not common.

bella201 · Jul 7, 2014

Rose_Queen,

Did you receive my post?

I know that orientations can be extended. I'm thinking maybe doing this can help in getting sufficient orientation time so that I can have more hands on experience to become proficient when I finally come to the point of working independently.

I know orientation extensions are not a given so how should I go about requesting/getting an orientation extension if I find that the orientation is not sufficient or I find I need more hands on practice?

Since orientations vary from facility to facility, do you think contacting OR departments to find out about their orientations and how long they are would be a good idea?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 7, 2014

I think better than cold calling ORs would be to network with people at AORN meetings. Probably going to get more honest feedback that way too. And of course, make sure you walk away from an interview knowing what the orientation structure is.

bella201 · Jul 11, 2014

Rose_Queen,

I know orientation extensions are not a given so how should I go about requesting/getting an orientation extension if I find that the orientation is not sufficient or I find I need more hands on practice when on orientation?

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 14, 2014

Rose_Queen,
I know orientation extensions are not a given so how should I go about requesting/getting an orientation extension if I find that the orientation is not sufficient or I find I need more hands on practice when on orientation?

This is going to be completely dependent on the facility. Either way, you are far too focused on what comes after nursing school with a set plan. First you need to get through nursing school, pass NCLEX, and find a job. You may not be able to find an OR job right out of school, if that is even still what you want to do. Flexibility is key in finding that first job, especially in this economy and job market.

WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

^^^This... Rose Queen is speaking the truth... Good luck with school.

Don