OR Internships, Residencies, Fellowships?

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

The OR is always where I have wanted to be and the reason why I got into nursing. (Previously a hospital surgery scheduler for many years prior to nursing school).

I have worked over the last 2 years in various areas of nursing (besides hospital floor), and have come to the realization that the OR is where I want and need to be; and basically the only job in nursing that I desire. I just haven't been fortunate enough to find a way into the OR.

I want to apply to as many internships/fellowships as possible to increase my chances of acceptance. I live in Texas, but do not care what state. If anyone has any tips or knows of internships that are open to taking not only new grads, please let me know. I have my ADN but plan on doing the RN-BSN online this year. Thanks in advance.

[kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP]

You can get an OR internship in the Memorial Hermann System here in Houston, but sadly that's one of the only hospital systems that will still hire an ADN. Internships open up twice a year, and you just missed the one for Spring graduates, but they will be advertising for the Spring internships starting in September. It's a large system with 9 hospitals in the greater Houston area. Good Luck and it'll happen for you.

[JillyRN]

I was just recently hired for an OR Residency Program in Greensboro, NC. I also have 2 years of experience outside of bedside nursing but was lucky enough to find this program through a nursing recruiter. They hire twice a year with a program starting in August and in February. I think they require a BSN or at least give preference. It sounds like a dream to me because it's 6 months of training in 5 different ORs, and after the 6 months they provide you a choice of where to work after. I've been working in outpatient clinics and family planning, so I was very nervous to get back to hospital based nursing. I applied while out of state, flew in for the interview, and was hired the next day. It sounds like such an awesome introduction to OR nursing so I'm hoping it's as good as it sounds. Good luck in your search!

[Stacey30]

I just began an OR nurse fellowship program for UPMC in Pittsburgh. It's 5 weeks long and takes you through Periop 101 and counts toward your 6 months of orientation. I have both new grads (must be licensed already) as well as seasoned RNs in my class. I saw they've got another OR fellowship rotation beginning in June on UPMC's careers site as well.

[ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN]

Thanks! :)

[jcb12]

I was just wondering how everyone's fellowships went in the OR, and are you working in an OR today?