RE: training for OR registered nurses

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Is there a training program for OR RNs that I can go to? I am having a hard time finding a hospital that accepts trainees, they were asking for experience here in US. Well, I do have 2 years experience in our country but, they were not accepting this kind of experience. Somebody help??? pls.

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Most programs are in place for the new employee that gets a job in the OR. You are going to find it difficult to get petitioned for a job directly in the OR in many facilities. The hospitals usually do their own training. And they want you to have actual experience in a US operating room, not just as a student in a training program, but actual work experience.

The training programs take months to complete and usually the facility does it. There are a few different programs here in the US, but it will not make it easier for you to get petitioned afterwards.

The issue for you is that you need to get petitioned to work in the US, so it is different from those that just want to get trained for the OR. That is the biggest factor for you to start with.

Where do you actually wish to work? Which state are you planning on? Have you already passed the NCLEX exam and have a Visa Screen Certificate? What areas in the OR do you have experience in? That will also make a difference.

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Hi ms Suzanne,

thanks for replying to my msg. I am here at Chicago, Illinois and presently working as an MDS coordinator in a psych nursing home. I passed my state board last october 2006.

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I arrived here in chicago last september of 2005.

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The training programs in that area are for nurses that have been offered jobs in the OR and will receive training from thru them. Not to be done for what you want to do.

You may find it easier once you finish the contract that you are under to get a position full-time in an OR. You will have to go thru the facilities program for new grads, they will not take you in as an RN with two years of experience in your country and give you credit for that. Especially since you have not been current in it since coming to the US.

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Northeastern University in Boston has a perioperative nursing program which you have to be an RN to get into. It is a 12 week program and would probably help you get into the OR. The cost is $3000

here is the link:

http://www.bouve.neu.edu/programs/search.php?school=3&level=Continuing%20Education

Once you have 2 years experience you can also go into a RNFA (RN First Assist) program which is also $3000 and then you can sit for national testing and get certification.

I think if you go to AORN.org they may have information on education opportunities closer to you in Chicago.

Best wishes to you

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You may want to check a local community college in your area. Often there is a "scrub tech" program that you can either take or audit. It includes duties of the circulator in the programs in our area. It is not expensive, often your institution will help with the cost. Talk with your human resources dept., they can often help with edicationally issues.

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Look into your community college opportunities. In Oregon there are many "tech programs" that can be taken or audited. They include the duties of a circulator as well as scrub. Often your instituion will defray the cost. Check with your human resources dept. or your mgr. to see if a program exists in your area. Good luck!:welcome:

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