Tips on getting into OR nursing from OB

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So I've been an L&D nurse for 3 years, but really want to switch to peri-operative nursing. I've nered been a med-surg RN, but did med surg as a nurse technician as a hospital that actually let us practice to our full legal capability. L&D included basic circulating for C-sections and the odd emergency hysterectomy, etc., as well as training to scrub, and caring for basic post-op gyn patients, but that's about it, so I'm wanting to get into a periop training program. The Peri-Op 101 program running at a local medical center up here just opened up some spots and I was just wondering if anyone had some suggestions on how I could make myself a more attractive candidate, including certs I could get (such as ACLS), additional experience they'd be looking for, etc.

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Specializes in Peri-Op.

Why not talk to the OR manager and ask about transferring and training in your hospital. Once you get 2 years under your belt your considered "experienced" by hospitals. Just don't think or speak of being experienced when talking to them. Csections are Just the top of the iceberg.

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Oh yeah, I'd never try to pass off my experience with C-sections as sufficient, but it does exemplify that I have at least had a little exposure to working with sterile fields in an OR environment.

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Specializes in Nursing Education.

I went into the OR straight out of nursing school. The way I made myself more competitive was to become a member of AORN, and I also set up OR observations at several of the hospitals around here. It was great because it showed that I was serious about the OR, that I had a clue of what OR nursing was like, AND it gave me a chance to make myself known to some of the decision makers.

As a bonus, I got a chance to see what the different work environments were like, so I could decide which ORs I did NOT want to work at :) I ended up applying to 3 OR programs in my area, was interviewed at 2 and got offered a job at 1. The 3rd hospital took their sweet time about scheduling interviews, so I was already hired by the time the called me to schedule one.

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Specializes in PeriOperative.

Most nurses who come from floors feel like GNs in the OR. It is a very different environment, and the only way to learn is to get in the OR. ACLS is always a plus, especially if the facility is looking for someone qualified to do conscious sedation. CCRN and CNOR are certifications that are helpful and would make you an attractive candidate, but I think it would be difficult to gain those before getting into the perioperative setting.

Check out the AORN website, it is full of information and resources. Good luck!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Not sure about CCRN, but you cannot get the CNOR certification without OR experience (2 years and a minimum number of hours). The c-section experience definitely isn't a minus. Considering that all other applicants for the program also have no OR experience, ACLS/PALS will most likely set you apart from the other applicants.

Some hospitals run their own programs rather than AORN's periop101, so don't forget to check with other hospitals. We aren't currently hiring right now, but one SN who is currently an ST was hired before the freeze, and will have an orientation specially tailored to his needs. Other hospitals may do the same thing for new hires. Not necessarily an internship, but an individualized orientation/internship.

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Specializes in Operating Room.
Not sure about CCRN, but you cannot get the CNOR certification without OR experience (2 years and a minimum number of hours). The c-section experience definitely isn't a minus. Considering that all other applicants for the program also have no OR experience, ACLS/PALS will most likely set you apart from the other applicants.

Some hospitals run their own programs rather than AORN's periop101, so don't forget to check with other hospitals. We aren't currently hiring right now, but one SN who is currently an ST was hired before the freeze, and will have an orientation specially tailored to his needs. Other hospitals may do the same thing for new hires. Not necessarily an internship, but an individualized orientation/internship.

Yup, that's what they did for me..although I wish they had acknowledged the fact that I was a new grad nurse more-I got the feeling that some people thought that I shouldn't need an orientation at all..they actually had me taking charge, and I had been out of nursing school about 6 months!:eek:

Not at that place anymore though..

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Yup, that's what they did for me..although I wish they had acknowledged the fact that I was a new grad nurse more-I got the feeling that some people thought that I shouldn't need an orientation at all..they actually had me taking charge, and I had been out of nursing school about 6 months!:eek:

Not at that place anymore though..

That's insane! Two years minimum, not counting orientation, to take charge here. And there are days where even with nearly 5 years, it feels like my first day!

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