Operating Room

[WannabaNurse]

Hi everyone, I am looking for some guidance. I am a new nurse and I have been working in med Surg for a year in March. I really want to get into the OR but I don't know of a way  to go about it. I have no experience in the OR and all the jobs I see require loads of experience. How can I get my foot in the door with a year of med surgical experience? Is there away? Or is med Surg where I am to stay? Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciate.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

It may be you have to look at the right time. When it comes to the OR, a nurse with experience in another field is the same level as a new grad because of the setting and how much there is to learn. My facility hires quarterly for new to the OR nurses. We tend to pick up new grads in the January and June hiring period and nurses looking to change specialties in March and September. Our orientation is 9 months. Try looking at various times, look for words like residency or fellowship- in the OR those aren't just for new grads. And consider joining AORN and attending meetings to network. 

[WannabaNurse]

Rose_Queen said:

It may be you have to look at the right time. When it comes to the OR, a nurse with experience in another field is the same level as a new grad because of the setting and how much there is to learn. My facility hires quarterly for new to the OR nurses. We tend to pick up new grads in the January and June hiring period and nurses looking to change specialties in March and September. Our orientation is 9 months. Try looking at various times, look for words like residency or fellowship- in the OR those aren't just for new grads. And consider joining AORN and attending meetings to network. 

I really appreciate you taking the time to tell me this information. I will use it. Thank you so much.