Beccarose

I've been an operating room nurse for over 5 years. I was hired right after nursing school straight into the operating room. That was 5 years ago and I know the economy has changed a little and things are more competitive. The best advice I can give you is get your foot in the door. Apply for the preceptorship in the operating room, see if you can work in the operating room, maybe as an aid, transporter, etc? I did a preceptorship in the operating room, and got to meet all the employees as well as the managers. They really got to see my drive and interest in the operating room nursing, which helped when it came to the job opportunity. A few of my other coworkers, were aides, instrument techs, transporters, and scrub techs in the operating room. They went to nursing school, and when it came time for the job hiring for the operating room nurse, most of them were hired. If you want something bad enough and are willing to work hard for it, I think you will work in the operating room eventually, just don't give up :)

Love it!!! Thanks for sharing :) I can totally relate to the operating room one! It's so true!!!

Congrats on the job!! I was pretty much hired on the spot by my current surgery center job as an operating room nurse. I really think it depends on the facility and their need. A hospital usually has to go through HR and an entire process, which can take weeks. I was very skeptical about the job since it didn't seem as "formal", but I took it and I absolutely LOVE the work place!! It's very laid back, the managers treat us well, and I'm so happy I took it!! Good luck to you :)

Hi there, and that is awesome you are in the operating room!! In my opinion, the best department to work in :) Alexander's is a great book, it has tons of information and can be helpful. I also found the Pocket book Guide to the Operating Room by Maxine Goldman very helpful. It is a small book that basically summarizes the different procedures and guides you to room set-up, prep, equipment, etc. It is very basic and is a "starting" point, but /i find it helpful to have when I come across a procedure I have never done before to get a general idea what I'll need. You can buy it on Amazon. The operating room can be very exciting and also very stressful and yes, there are so many different personalities. I have been in the operating room for 5 years, and like yourself, I did a practicum when I graduated school. My best advice is to be prepared, ask questions, take a ton of notes, and jump in and learn. I have a quiet personality, and I feel it is good to be quiet, but speak up when needed, and don't take anything or anyone too personally. I had to learn to let the "strong" personalities go. No one can fault you if you keep to yourself, but also are learning and trying the best you can. It takes awhile to adapt to the OR, but once you feel more comfortable, it is the BEST place to work, and you never stop learning new things, so don't feel like you're not "getting" it :) There is so much out there and believe me, it took along time for me to feel comfortable, but just hang in there and enjoy it :)

Haha, you're right!!! I better keep my mouth shut :)

Thank you for sharing your happiness!! I also made a move to outpatient surgery and I couldn't be happier!! I worked in the main OR at the local hospital on the island of Maui for over 4 years. Living in paradise was nice, but the job really took a tole on me! Not only was it exhausting (working 12 hour shifts, weekends, nights, and CALL), it was very stressful. I never knew what type of case was going to come through the OR. I had very bad anxiety and it started to affect my personal life, and I realized it stemmed from my job in the main OR. Unfortunately, there were no other options where I was living in Maui, so my husband and I made a move to California, for more job opportunities and to be closer to family. There were some hospital OR positions, but I wanted to hold out for a surgery center. After 5 month of looking, I landed a job in a surgery center in Monterey, CA!! I cannot even explain how happy I am now :) I work normal hours (M-F), no weekends, nights, or holidays. Everyone I work with is in a good mood, not the stressful environment of the hospital. This is the BEST decision I have made in my career, even if it meant leaving Hawaii, I am so much happier in my life and with my husband!! It is possible to be happy in your job, you just have to find your place :)

I currently work in a very busy surgery center and to prepare for ambulatory surgery I really think it depends if you are going to be working in the Operating Room or in Preop/PACU? I usually only work in the Operating Room, however I sometimes help in the PACU if needed. I agree that most Surgeons write their own discharge instructions, but most are routine based on the type of surgery. A good way to prepare is to become knowledgeable about the different ambulatory surgery procedures so you can learn to anticipate what is needed in the Operating Room and also with recovery. I really like the "Pocket Guide to the Operating Room", it basically summarizes different surgical procedures and is helpful if you need to quickly read up on a procedure if it's been awhile or it's new. Another good book is "Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery", which is a very detailed book for the Operating Room Nurse. I hope this helps :)