Surg tech and then LVN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 25, 2013

If you're interested in being a surgical nurse, I would bypass the surgical tech and the LVN programs altogether. Earn your RN license and apply for new grad internships and residencies to train in the operating room (OR). You can also do same day surgery at ambulatory surgery centers.

mas28 · Mar 25, 2013

I agree with the above post. I am a surgical tech/first assist and I am starting an accelerated BSN program this may. (nervous but excited) Once you get your RN, you can apply to get in a OR residency program to be trained for surgical nursing. Also as a RN student, you can try to get an extern in the OR. Many of the nurses I work with got in this way. Of course if you went to surg tech school then RN school, you'd definitely be a shoe in, but it will be a longer process. My nurse manager can't wait until I'm done. (I can't either!) Good Luck!

lth1123 · Mar 27, 2013

I agree with both above posts. I have been a surgical tech for 11 years and hoping to start an ADN program this fall. There is no need to do either if OR nurse is your main goal. If you were already one of the above, you could see why it will benefit to advance to a RN. However, starting fresh just go for your goals. Good luck!!!