OR nurse needs advice

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Hello all-

I am hoping you guys can answer some questions for me...I went to the OR as a new grad over a year ago, I work nights at a level 2 trauma center. I basically knew a while ago that the OR is not really for me for a variety of reasons. I have always wanted to work in the ER so now I need some advice. Do you ever see any OR nurses that transfer to ER? Are ER's willing to train OR nurses? What would be the best way to prepare myself to work or at least be considered to work in the ER??

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

Ooow... good question. I am interested in this answer too. I may end up in the OR too (not a bad thing) but my goal is to someday be in the ER. I would start out in the ER at my hsopital but they do not hire New Grads. :(

By the way, if no one responds soon we can hunt down one of the OR or ER posters and PM him/her. :D

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Specializes in ER.

As a new grad, I interviewed in both the OR and the ER, ended up choosing ER because I thought if I did OR I might get "stuck" there. I know our ER manager likes getting new grads as opposed to people who transfer from med-surg because then she can "mold" us from the start. If you work at a facility that hires new grads, I would think it wouldn't be much different than that getting a job with OR experience.

I would assume that coming from OR you are at least ACLS certified, if not PALS? Those are things you'll need that might make you more appetizing to the ER. Good luck.

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I worked in OR for 4 yrs. I am now working in ER. I dont think its what part of nursing you are coming from..but how willing you are to adapt to the ER way. I think OR helped me a lot. Im certified in ACLS, PALS, and conscious sedation and intubation is nothing new for me. I also think I am able to adapt a little easier, as we have our own standing orders where u have to act fast...start ivs, give drugs upon ure assessment etc etc. I didnt have that thinking of needing an md order before u act fast and appropriately, which I think helped me get into the groove of things in the ER.

Good luck!

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