XpedX

When I am done documenting and if the current case isn't short. I look at the next procedure's preference card and start pulling items in the room that will not come up on the case cart. I will pull trash and linen bags, clothes for cleaning, anything I know will be needed to clean and setup the room for the following case that I possibly can within reason (meds, gloves, gowns, suture, prep solutions and make what we call a "goodie bag" with a kick bucket bag). For cases I know that are going to be messy I throw a blanket on the floor to catch blood, less time mopping. I take the techs back table and start putting dirty instruments away. I make a list of equipment needed for positioning and ask my aides to have it ready for me outside the door. I bust my butt to take my patient to PACU, give report, and then return to help clean the room. I return unused (hold) items from my case cart to the sterile supply room/CPD put-away cart while surgeon/assistants are closing. I prep for the beginning of the case, not for the entire case. Because most of the stuff I can grab before/after charting.

I did a bit research on this same subject, so I will tell you what I have found out through a co-worker and my own research. If you want to scrub only you can get your RNFA and get hired by a group of surgeons to do just that. You won't be working for the hospital and therefore would never circulate. I know of a RNFA who circulated for awhile, obtained her RNFA, was hired by one of the local ortho surgeons groups, and now only assists. But if you are looking to be in more the scrub role, i.e. passing instruments and setting up cases, the RNFA is the wrong way to go for you. Also be aware that not all states allow RNFAs to bill for their services. However if you were a NP with a RNFA cert you be more sought after by surgical groups. However you'd be rounding and taking call for both the floor and surgical cases. There are also only a few CNS/NP programs that have more OR focus. Advanced Practice Program Options | Uniformed Services University Uniformed Services University has a MSN or DNP Adult-Gerontology CNS program with 40% periop clinicals. RN First Assistant Program: RN First Assistant Program UCLA APRN UAB - School of Nursing - Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care & Continuing Care University of Alabama Birmingham These are the schools I have found so far with specific mention of Periop Speciality built into their APRN programs. Hope this helps, -Jess

The hospital I work at is currently looking to hire new grads into the Periop 101 program. Why? Because of a huge shortage of nurses in the operating room, not only here but all over. I suspect there is a shortage in other speciality areas as well, but only know of the operating room. So there are opportunities out there to be accepted into the OR as a new grad. And as Mdsokol said show you are passionate about the OR. When I interviewed for Periop Internship, I expressed I knew I was meant to be in the OR the first time I shadowed an OR RN. This specific thing will catch most interviewing OR RNs' attentions because the OR is not for everyone and takes a certain kind of person. They hear this and know exactly what you are talking about because they were there too once. Ask to shadow someone before you even get an interview, it will make you stick out and will give you something to talk about. Good Luck! -Jess

The hospital I work at is currently looking to hire new grads into the Periop 101 program. Why? Because of a huge shortage of nurses in the operating room, not only here but all over. I suspect there is a shortage in other speciality areas as well, but only know of the operating room. So there are opportunities out there to be accepted into the OR as a new grad. Good Luck! -Jess