To become an OR Nurse...

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In order to become an OR nurse do I need a bsn or is an adn ok? I am barely in my 3rd semester of pre reqs at a cc and would like to know which way to go. I was thinking of doing the surgical tech program and working in that field for a couple of years before going for my associates. What do you guys recommend? I have a special 13 year old (emotional health problems), a six year old, and plan on having my third an last child next year. I want to take the right path and not run around in to many circles because I have my kids to be there for. I am 32 years old and after being a certified photographer and doing the whole M.A.A course I finally realized I want to be a nurse, I want to help people, and I love all the bloody stuff!

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Specializes in Operating Room.

If you want to be a nurse, I wouldn't be a surg tech first. You'll miss out on the money. You should be able to get hired right out of school at a busy private sector hospital OR. Then again, it may depend on where you live.

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I live in San Diego so I know it is extremely competitive out here especially for new nurses. That is why I was wondering if becoming a surgical tech first might help give me some experience that would get me in somewhere once I become an RN. From what I hear around here new nurses (adn or bsn) can go up to a year without finding employment. I do get financial aid so I know that will help greatly in my ultimate decision.

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Btw thank you for replying :)

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I would agree with going straight for the RN degree. Going to surg tech school then working a few years would waste too much time when you know you want to go to nursing school already. I don't live in SD but my large urban hospital system hires many ADN nurses in the OR.

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Specializes in CCM, PHN.

There is no such thing as an "RN degree."

How many times does this have to be clarified?

You earn an Associate Degree in Nursing, generally takes 2 years;

Or you earn a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, generally takes 4 years.

Both degrees qualify you to sit for NCLEX. If you pass you are granted the REGISTERED NURSE (RN) LICENSE. "RN" is a LICENSE, not a degree.

And yes, everyone should just stop mucking around with the ADN and get their BSN as soon as possible.

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Specializes in Perioperative; Cardiovascular.

To be an OR nurse, you need your BSN.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
To be an OR nurse, you need your BSN.

Depends on the facility. My facility does not require a BSN, and the vast majority of our OR nurses are ADNs who graduated from the school affiliated with the health system.

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Specializes in APRN, ACNP-BC, CNOR, RNFA.

Everyone's path is not the same. I was a CST, before going the ADN route to become a RN, then got a BSN and CNOR, and now I have a MSN and I'm an ACNP completing my RNFA. That path took me 10 years, but I don't regret a single thing. I think getting a degree in nursing is a tough feat, whether it's through the ADN route or BSN route. If you have the money and resources to complete the BSN on the first go around, then go for it! I worked a full-time job from tech school through my master's, so taking my time to complete my studies was the best thing for me and my daughter (I'm a single parent of a special needs child too). More hospitals want to hire BSN nurses because of Magnet status, but there are a lot of hospitals who still hire ADNs. Look at the job postings in your area or call the HR of local hospitals and find out what they're looking for in a candidate. Also, it's never too early to network. People knew me from being a scrub tech to being an OR nurse and now as a NP. I received many opportunities based on knowing people in the "OR community." Go to some local AORN chapter meetings or see if you can get a part-time job in an OR as an orderly. Put your name out there, so people will remember you when it's time to apply for a job. Good Luck and you can do it, whichever path you choose.

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Thank you for all the advice. I will go ahead and call some HR's come Monday. Due to my childrens needs I am going for a slower pace to get to nursing school just because my son really needs me.

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Specializes in Operating Room.
To be an OR nurse, you need your BSN.

I would have to disagree. I would say that it helps but certainly not required. All depends where you live and the job market, too. Of course, if they see BSN on your resume, they'll probably take you over someone with an ADN, but it is certainly not a requirement for the OR. I am in the process of getting my BSN. In hindsight, that is what I should have done from the start. Including the prerequisites, it took me almost three years for an ADN and with one more year, I could have had a BSN.

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Specializes in Perioperative; Cardiovascular.

Here we go....Throughout the history of perioperative nursing, we have obtain our license to practice in the OR through dipolma (hospital), associates and undergraduate programs. Yes, I get it.....you don't have to obtain a BSN to practice in the OR "right now." However, did you notice that Magnet hospitals are hiring BSN nurses and requiring current employees to get their degree within 10 years? Many organizations, such as the AACN and ANA, endorses the intitative of making BSN the minimial preparation for professional practice. In the meantime, while you are being grandfathered, do you want to resist or adapt to change? Whether you're offended by my statement or not, I am speaking for those that are planning on becoming OR nurses.

While time allows, yes get yor ADN and then transition to BSN route. Make BSN your academic goal for job security and marketability. My statement of needing your BSN to work in the OR will happen.

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