Process for shadowing an OR nurse?

[chief76]

I am about to start my 3rd semester of nursing school. And actually, the thought of becoming an OR nurse is one of the main reasons I decided to go back to school for my second career. With that being said, I would really like to get a few opportunities to shadow an OR nurse. I'm not sure that I will get the chance to do so in school. Emphasis is really put on bedside nursing and you really have to get lucky to get even a day outside of the regular floor. My question is, what would be the best way to try and set up a day or hopefully a few days to shadow a nurse in the OR, on my own, completely outside of school? I'm just unsure of the process, who I should contact, how I should contact them, etc. I don't want my request to be lost in the shuffle, but I also don't want to just show up and ask. I live in a big city with several large hospitals to choose from, but any advice on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Each facility is likely going to have its own policy on shadowing. In mine, we don't allow people to shadow unless they are medical students, PA students, or nursing students who are doing their observation day in the OR, or as part of orientation for a select population of post-surgical nurses (orthopedic and cardiac only). We don't allow willy nilly observers in the door- it's an infection control issue and a HIPAA issue. For those who do wish to observe and aren't already employees, they must complete online education modules and receive approval from the nurse manager and the chief of surgery.

You may or may not be given the opportunity to observe during school. You may or may not have the opportunity to select a capstone or practicum in a perioperative area. You may or may not have the opportunity to work as a nurse extern in the OR, depending on whether or not the OR at a particular facility allows nurse externs in the OR. You could look into working as a patient care assistant in the OR- many facilities may hire unlicensed assistive personnel for tasks including assisting with patient positioning, gathering equipment for the next case, turning over rooms between cases, etc.

[chief76]

Thank you Rose_Queen. That's kind of what I thought. Some nurses in areas other than the OR suggested I just walk in and shadow. That always seemed sketchy to just allow any old person to come in there. I doubt my school will allow me to do my capstone in a perioperative area, but I will still request it. I'm also going to check out the PCA positions working in the OR. Thanks so much for your suggestions.

[lala4005]

Thank you for asking this question, I am waiting to be accepted into an ABSN program and other than joining AORN wasn't sure if there was anything else I could do at this point to hopefully get into the OR after I graduate.... Sounds like I may not get to shadow until capstone, if that's even an option!

Thanks again for the great question and feedback!