So I want to be in the OR

Specialties Operating Room

Published

So I would LOVE to be in the OR, when we did our rotation in the OR, it felt like my thing, I truly enjoyed the C-sections, however way too routine for me, and I was just watching, probably more exciting if helping the surgeon. But what kind of credentials do you need to have before getting into the OR? I currently am working on a Neuro floor, and I don't mind it at all, however I have always wanted to be in the OR, I even would love working for a plastic surgeon. Everyone I've talked to has said, go to ICU, or MICU??? how did all of your wonderful nurses start out to get into the OR?

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Depends where you are but most ORs will take people right out of nursing school. They may also have a Perioperative Nursing course for those who are nurses already...you don't need ICU, MICU or Med/Surg. The OR is different from these areas so while such experience certainly won't hurt, it's not really going to help either. If you are truly interested in the OR, check around and see what kind of training programs are in place in your area. Good luck!

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Yes, OR is TOTALLY different! When I started as a new grad back in June, my hospital gave me the option of doing 3 weeks on a surgical floor so I could get a feel for what the patients go through once they leave the OR. I took them up on this and I'm glad I did. The experience was terrific, but it also validated my belief that I REALLY didn't want to do floor nursing. The OR is definitely the place for me. Good luck, and go for it!

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Specializes in O.R., ED, M/S.

There are a multitude of opinions on this subject of going straight to the OR from school or spending a little time on a M/S floor. I don't think you really need any ICU experinece but, I really feel a little time maybe 6 months or more would be beneficial. If you do a search on this subject here in allnurses, you will find a lot of posts on this and it will help you, or maybe confuse you. I have a very strong opinion on this but some posters have felt I am way behind on this and I really don't care. 31 years of OR nursing has given me a little insight on training new nurses. A little time on MedSurg helps immensely and gets you by the little things you don't necessarily learn in school. This shouldn't discourage you from going forward with your plans though. Quite a bit is expected from you when you start in the OR and trainers don't have the time or patience to train you on things you are already expected to know. Good luck!

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Hi,

I went straight from nursing school into the OR. I really don't use many skill sets that I learned to become and RN. You'll learn a whole new way of nursing. You'll need to know how to start an IV, run the pump, and know your basic medications along with their interactions and allergies. It can be a lot of fun working in the OR. Other days you will pray for god to give you strength to finish the day. I finished working a 29 hour shift last week and it just about did me in.

You'll learn everything OTJ and it will be an adventure

Good Luck

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I am a LPN but have been accepted into an RN program. I'm about 99% sure OR nursing is for me. So here's my question...WHAT??? A 29 hour shift??? Is that legal?

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