OR Training program for experienced nurse in southern California

Pretty much all facilities will have a training program for nurses new to the OR, whether it's AORN's Periop101, another program developed by specialists in OR nursing, or one they've developed themselves. We all understand how limited the exposure to the OR is in nursing school and that it is a completely new environment. We prepare for that and have a fairly long orientation program- possibly the longest out of every nursing specialty.

I would say that unless a job posting specifies that you must have OR experience, just go ahead and apply. Ask about the orientation program during the interview- how long, what specialties, what shifts (some places do have a permanent off shift, others have rotations, others [like mine, where nights are permanent but evenings rotate] are a mix), and pretty much everything else you'd like to know.

My employer does require all new staff to complete our orientation program (including Periop101 if new to the OR) if they have never worked as a nurse in the OR. We have a new orientee currently who took an OR elective in nursing school- it does not take the place of Periop101, but may have given him an edge in understanding the "why".