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Discussion

Question

Hi!

I am a current nursing student who just completed my OR clinical rotation. Needless to say, I LOVED it and am sure that's what I want to do once I graduate next year. :) My original concern was that as a new grad it will be tough to find any job at all right away (nevermind choose an area of specialty), so I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to things I can start doing now or jobs that would be better to pursue to put me on the road to the OR. It seems every OR job says 2-3 yrs experience (I'm in NJ) but how can I get the experience if I can't get an OR job? :uhoh3: Any advice or experience is appreciated. Thanks so much!

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    My OR hires nurse techs (nursing students). The ones that want to stay upon graduation are hired right in. I'd see if they have any postitions like that or PCA jobs to do while you are in school.

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    • Author

    Thanks so much for the advice! I'm definitely going to look into that. Don't you have to have a certification as an OR tech, though?

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    Does your school offer a perioperative nurse class? When I was in nursing school, the surgical technology programed offered a perioperative nursing course, which I took over the summer. This class included 160 clinical hrs in the OR. So, I spent a lot of time in the OR that I was interested in. I got to know the people there and the managers and they told me they wanted to hire me when I graduated and they did! I love the OR. I cannot imagine working anywhere else.

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    Thanks so much for the advice! I'm definitely going to look into that. Don't you have to have a certification as an OR tech, though?

    A nurse tech is not the same thing as a surgical tech. Surgical techs go to school for either an associates, bachelors, or through a hospital program. They can be certified.

    A nurse tech/extern/ student nurse is a position that many hospitals have specifically for nursing students. It's a win-win situation- the hospital can sort of train the person while paying them much cheaper than a nurse, and the student gets invaluable experience. It is not OR specific.

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    • Author

    Thank you both so much!

    Colleen, unfortunately no my school doesn't offer that type of course. That sounds like an amazing opportunity- I'm going to look into other programs, maybe I'd be able to take a course like that elsewhere over the Summer. Thanks for the great advice =)

    Snowstar, thank you for the clarification. I'm definitely going to keep looking for a position like that as well. I really appreciate the help!

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    Some major hospitals offer paid OR nursing internship/residency for new grads and for nurses in other specialties wishing to transfer to the OR. You can check online at specific hospital websites or call a major hospital near you and ask for the OR Nurse Educator. Also AORN.com is a great resourse for perioperative nurses and nursing students. You can attend meetings as a student and network with the OR nurses in your area to make some great contacts. Best of luck!

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    Thanks so much for the advice! I really appreciate the tips!

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