Orthopedic OR or cardiac?

WhoDatWhoDare, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2016

I'm sure this question will have varying answers, all because of "where" the person answering might be, e.g. hospital, state, etc.

I'm in Texas and work in a hospital setting. I am not "specialized" in any one type of surgery, but rather at my hospital we are expected to be able to circulate in a number of areas, except for CVOR. I have done everything from General surgery to urology, from GYN to transplants, including but not limited to Ortho, OMF, bariatrics, etc.

Another factor to consider is job satisfaction with the specialty. I know many people who love ortho and many who loathe it. Do you have a chance to shadow for a day in each specialty to see what they're like before deciding?

I think I'm fairly marketable being that I have a range of cases I can circulate in. I have been promoted to be a Service Line Coordinator and that's another item that makes me marketable, or so I think, lol...

I suppose my point is that it's too broad of a question based on too many variables that depend on "where" someone might be to give you a truly accurate answer for where you are.

Good luck with your tough choice.

-WhoDatWhoDare

springchick1, ADN, RN · Jan 15, 2016

I think if your heart is in the OR, go to the OR. A lot of ORs wont hire new nurses. It won't limit you and in fact, may help you get a job in the general OR later down the road. You may get in there and decide you LOVE orthopedics.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 15, 2016

I'm a little confused- have you been offered jobs in the ortho OR and the cardiac OR or in the ortho OR and on a cardiac floor? I'm obviously biased- I'd take the OR job in cardiac. If the OR is what you want, go for the OR. I've made specialty changes within the OR a few times- I've done general, vascular, ortho, uro, plastics, and now cardiac. I've worked with nurses who have left the OR and had success in other specialties.

Greenhouse · Jan 17, 2016

THANK all of you for your input. I know what I need to do now. I will take the Ortho OR position and try to switch to general OR at a later time. Cardiac floor is also exciting, but like I said, my passion is in the OR. Thanks again, guys!

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

Smart, Ortho experience makes you very marketable. They may start you for a few weeks/months in General anyway, just to get you acclimated.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2016

If you have never worked in the OR doing general surgery first will help you become a better ortho nurse. Orthopedics is one of the harder specialities and ha e some of the most demanding surgeons. It's just like if you are a floor nurse you need to learn the basics first to develop your skills as a nurse before going to a specialized area.

Greenhouse · Feb 2, 2016

Hi Guys,

Thank you for your input and your time. I accepted the Ortho OR position. Can't wait to get started. I will keep your advice and encouragement in mind :)

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 2, 2016

If you have never worked in the OR doing general surgery first will help you become a better ortho nurse. Orthopedics is one of the harder specialities and ha e some of the most demanding surgeons. It's just like if you are a floor nurse you need to learn the basics first to develop your skills as a nurse before going to a specialized area.

I disagree. The basics can be learned in any specialty. In fact, some of our specialties have their own buildings, and their own periop orientation.

jeckrn, BSN, RN · Feb 3, 2016

I work in all areas except cardiac because we do not have it. Working General surgery will help you learn the basic instrumentation and position before you go to the more complex areas. In general you rarely open more then 3 sets. In ortho you can open 5-7 on a frequently and at time greater than 10. I am not saying you have to stay there long just enough to get your feet wet. Depending if there will be call, if so general surgery will be needed.