Opportunities for OR Nurses

[paul3489]

Hi all!

I graduated may 2011 and just found I out I passed the boards WOO; unfortunately no luck at a job, yet. On top of the market being scarce, I believe another thing holding me back is that I'm unsure where in this vast world of nursing I want to start mainly bc I m not sure where I see myself going - I do know that I want to continue my education and get my adn

SOOO my question is if I were to start off in the OR where directions could I go -- what kind of NPs can nurses go for? can they become CRNAs?

Thanks!

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

If you want CRNA, head to ICU. As an OR nurse, you will head more towards NP for a surgeon's office, sometimes scrubbing in and assisting with surgeries. You can become an RNFA. Or you can always head towards management or education.

[odos]

If you want to be a CRNA don't waste your time in the OR. CRNA schools want you to have critical care experience and OR is not critical care. The OR can lead you to being an RNFA, OR educator, Surgical Rep, OR director and sometimes you can be an NP that assists with a surgeon (although surgeon usually use Physician Assistants). I find that OR nurses usually stay OR nurses so if you are looking to change specialties often I'd do ICU. Seems like after having ICU experience you can get a job in almost any other nursing specialty.

[shodobe]

Well, I wouldn't say the OR isn't a critical care at times because it can be and ICU nurses, as well trained(sometimes) as they think they are, aren't necessarily good nurses for the OR. But yes, if you are looking at being a CRNA lots of ICU experience is a necessity.