ETA-RN

I can share what I know at this point from my point of view. I was offered/accepted my position which is OR specific three months ago. Only a couple weeks ago did I complete my physical. County positions take quite a while to complete the hiring process before onboarding or for my situation-training takes place. I was told at the time of hire from the nursing recruiter that my position does have limited benefits but only after six months does the position actually qualify to change from "Shift Of Need" to RN1 status. The shift of need means that after you finally complete all the training or onboarding you will fill various shifts as needed. In my case as an OR nurse I'm assuming that it's a time period for you to decide about the work environment and also for the employer/county to see how you fit in their team.

Interesting thread. I'm set to begin next month there in a similar job class. I was told it was as needed after training concluded. During training it is more of a set schedule, for my position at least.

Thank you for posting this as I am waiting to begin a formal training program as well.

Stick with your RN goals. I work with a few RN's who were CST's but it took them a long time to make the transition. Not sure if their original goal was to become a nurse. Having your RN will open far more doors for you than the CST as others have noted.

I started in a local community hospital OR as a circulating nurse trying to learn as best I could following other nurses. That lasted six months. I'm waiting to start in a major Level I for a six month training program. Good luck on your current program and NCLEX! After that if you get the opportunity to get in the OR immediately after school take it.

Evening, I'll share what little I know. My mother served from 1961-1987 with the air national guard starting as a flight nurse until I was born. She then became a hospital nurse in the air guard and retired as a Lt. Col. Look into reserves, especially air guard. It's like a small family and doesn't deploy as often (at least from my mother'sexperience). It depends on what you want out of your military service.

I started as an OR circulator coming from more than 20 years as a rad tech and at the community hospital (socal) where I started my hourly rate was very low but I looked at it as paid internship to learn the role as an OR circulating nurse. It really depends on where you are and the needs in the area.

I'm 6', 49 years old/young and I can relate. I've just started as an RN and am working in Pre-op before I transition to the OR. We have no stools in pre-op and starting IVs isn't easy when the beds have to be raised all the way. It still doesn't seem high enough. Definitely watch your head though...no telling how many times I've hit mine on things over the years doing xray. Now, most of the time I usually look up when standing from a kneeling position.

Tomorrow marks seven years with Kaiser for me. I've enjoyed it. Not sure right now is the best time to gauge any employer due to Covid and how facilities are functioning. It is also not when you will learn "best practices" from a nursing standpoint. But you will be on the frontlines and look back on these times when things are better.

I'm interviewing next week for the LA "new grad" position. I have several questions to ask during the interview. Right now at my facility the ratios are crazy and we have long waits for ambulances on our ER ramp.

Definitely go for it. Kaiser is a good company to work for but know every facility has it's own personality. Ask questions about what you will be doing. As much as I hear about the "nursing shortage" here in CA I don't see it manifesting. I have a ton of applications out since passing NCLEX in July and only a few interviews. I have been offered a per diem "care assistant" position in the mid 30s that I've agreed to do. Hoping when they post their new grad positions in Jan it will make me a stronger candidate.

I'll say this...right now at least in CA it is very challenging to even get an interview for an OR/periop position as a new grad. I know COVID is a factor due to decreased case loads but OR is exactly where I want to be. It is where my interest in nursing began while my years working as an xray tech. I've always loved working in surgery. To echo others...it all depends on the person. If they have never been exposed to the OR it can be shocking. Some people are comfortable and others aren't. I hear from a lot of people that "you need med/surg experience" and I don't agree. There again, it depends on the individual.

I have eight applications submitted for various nursing positions. Four have been referred, the earliest was Dec. 2nd and no further email since then. I know it is a long process. Sounds like your interview took place quickly. I did claim veteran preference. For me working at the VA and staying at my current employer would be two great careers. My mother was a military flight nurse and I have several other family members who are veterans. Continuing my sense of service in this way would be fulfilling.

While I'd agree that magnet hospitals only hire BSNs I wouldn't say that is the situation for the non-magnet facilities. Sure they'd like BSNs but they have a lot of ADN RNs on staff too.

How long after it was "referred" did it take to get an interview? Do you have veteran preference too?