DanielOR_RN

In my facility we have to call pre-op and send for the next patient.

Just focus on the module summaries and make flash cards based on them. The whole test is from the summaries, I didn't see any questions based off the module questions.

I passed my AORN Periop 101 program final exam about a month and a half ago. Focus on the final exam study guide, re-read your modules and use flashcards. I scored a 90% on mine, it's nowhere near as hard as your NCLEX and it's very straight forward. You will do fine as long as you focus on those module summaries. Good luck!

Hi Amari, Although I'm not from the Seattle area, I do understand your struggles. I am an ADN as well and a new grad nurse with no previous OR experience, however here in FL and in some other states we have residency programs for new grads who want to come to the OR. Ever since my nursing school OR rotation I knew I wanted to get in, I also knew not having a BSN was going to be my biggest challenge. Luckily I stumbled upon a hospital that was offering that program. Long story short, it was in another city and I had to move. I'm not sure about your financial and/or personal situation. I wanted to get into the OR at all costs so I made the move. Not having kids or being married of course made it that much easier. I got a call after I applied and they invited me for an open house "job fair." I was pretty skeptical because I've never met anyone hired at a job fair. There were about 12 applicants that showed up, most looking very experienced and many had their BSNs, except me. After the initial interviews I got called back for the 2nd round of interviews, so I knew I had made the first cut, so that gave me a lot more confidence. The 2nd round was with the perioperative managers and all the leads, a 6 person interview. After a week or so they made their decisions and let me know that I got the job. It was probably one of the best feelings in the world. I was finally getting my dream job. So here's what I recommend you do. Try to locate all the hospitals in your area, ask yourself these questions - how far are you willing to travel? how badly do you want it? Then you want to get together a portfolio with your resume, recommendation letters (the one from your nurse practitioner friend would be a great asset) I would definitely mention that at your future interview, any exposure to an OR or OR-related procedures goes a long way and puts you above BSNs who haven't had any OR exposure. When you send in your application try calling the department or adding recruiters from that department on Linkedin. Networking is a great tool. I've gotten job offers simply by adding recruiters. You should definitely practice your interview skills in front of a mirror and with friends. I did that for several weeks when I was interviewing at different hospitals. I was only able to find 2 programs that were taking applicants in my entire state, so I know it's difficult. One of them rejected me, and my other options were working med-surg or neuro which really weren't what I wanted to get into at all. Try not to sound desperate while talking to them, but just let them know that their hospital has always been an inspiration to you and that you know you'll be a great asset to their team. The OR is a very fast-paced environment and very high-stress too, so they tend to be very picky about who they choose. If you can find a phone number to perioperative services I would give them a call and try to get a managers number. I know this process is daunting and difficult but nothing that you really want ever comes easy. Also, I know you guys in Seattle need OR nurses because I keep getting Facebook advertisements asking me to move to Seattle to be an OR nurse, which is something that I will be considering after I finish my 2-3 years here. Anyway, I hope I was helpful. Keep your head up I'm sure you'll find something. Make sure to mention all the surgeries that you have seen, make sure you understand the role of all the personnel in the OR such as the circulator's responsibilities, scrub, first-assist and surgeon. Good luck to you! I'm sure it will all work out. :)

Hi StringOR, It looks like we seem to be in a very similar situation. I also started the Periop 101 program in February 2016 as a new grad nurse as well. I finished Periop 101 and I am in the precepting portion of my program. We have a lot of things in common. There are cliques in my unit too and it is so difficult. My worse day yet was today. As an introvert I find it hard to speak up and be completely open with people as soon as I meet them. Snarky personalities and remarks from scrubs have really irritated me, and some of them can be bullies. They don't know what to expect from us and they don't even know how far we are along the program, yet many of them expect us to perform at an expert-level which is outrageous. Also, in all these cases there's a lot of things going on at once, especially getting thrown into ortho cases which can get pretty hectic and complicated, I felt like I was a stick in the mud. I found it hard to know what to do at certain intervals. I get tossed around with different preceptors who have different prepping techniques and nothing is really crystal clear at this point. Another thing we have in common is management. Our management has constantly been changing, we are on our 2nd or 3rd manager, granted we are a Trauma hospital in a metropolitan area, I expected a bit more. In the middle of my didactic portion our educator went AWOL switching roles so we didn't get the best education other than from the modules and our whole group coming together to help. Leaving for me isn't an option either as I signed a 2-year contract. I've always known the OR was my world, and I sincerely believe it does get easier. We just have to stick it out. My co-workers who are ahead of me and who will soon be on their own says that there is a routine, we just have to find it. Best of luck to the both of us!

I don't understand why people say there is no growth in the OR...you CAN grow and branch out into tons of roles. RNFA - registered nurse first assistant, actually suturing and being involved with the surgery. Getting CNOR certified which gives you more credibility. CVOR joining the cardio team. You can specialize in any specialty like neuro, ortho, cardio, ENT. Clinical lead Educator OR manager What I don't understand is why anesthesiologists who aren't nurses are telling you there isn't room to grow in the OR, especially when their life in the OR is about 5 minutes long. They come in put the patient to sleep and the rest falls on the CRNA.

Don't let that get you down. Look for OR Nurse residency opportunities, they usually have them in every state a few times a year. I hear summer is a huge season for those kinds of opportunities. You have to keep checking every single day. I got in through a job fair!! I went in not knowing, and they liked me enough to push me through to the 2nd set of interviews. You really never know who is going to give you that opportunity to let your dreams come true. Keep your head held up high. If you want it enough, you'll get it. I was in your shoes not to long ago.

You're welcome! I also forgot to add what I asked them. I asked them 3 questions. - What are the challenges that new grad nurses face in the OR? - What qualities are you looking for in an ideal candidate? - When is orientation and how long is it? It was a panel interview of 8 Periop nurses and coordinators.

Hi Heartaflutter, I will be starting my OR training next week. I have no previous nursing experience. I graduated last year in August and took my NCLEX mid November. The OR has always been my passion so after passing my NCLEX I immediately started looking for OR nurse residency programs with Periop 101. Not every hospital offers Periop 101, it is a training program. We were told that our training is 6 months paid internship. I did have to move 3 hours from my city to a closer location to the hospital. I don't regret the move, I wanted to do anything to make my dream of working in the OR come true. If you are very interested in working in the OR try to look online for these opportunities. I've seem them scattered throughout the year across almost every state, even in Alaska. Some people say that med-surg experience is good for the OR since we don't do many IV's, etc. I tend to disagree since med-surg has nothing to do with the OR. They are two completely different animals. I wish you good luck and I hope you fulfill your interest in the OR.

Hi qrkid, I was always passionate about going into OR nursing, so I didn't want to waste time doing any med-surg or telemetry. I really think that they have absolutely nothing in common. Since I was so sure about my choice, I started looking for Periop 101 internship programs after getting my RN license. They say the OR is the most specialized area of nursing with the longest training time (6-9 months). From what I've read people don't feel comfortable until 1-2 years, so don't worry. During my interview I was asked the following questions: What do you do after a stressful day? What would you do if a surgeon yelled at you? Why are you the ideal candidate for this position? Tell me about a time when you used good teamwork skills in a clinical setting. Out of so many specialties why did you choose the OR? Try to sell yourself. It is unlikely that they ask you OR specific questions since you are not experienced in the OR yet. I wish you the best of luck. I just got hired and I begin my Periop 101 training soon. My dream has come true and I hope yours will too! Heads up, they are looking for people who work well in teams and who have strong personalities. Practice your interview skills, dress to impress, and be prepared (take your portfolio to the interview with all of your information - resume, transcripts with GPA, diploma, certifications (CPR, stroke, ACLS), cover letter, etc.)