transfer from OR to ER?

[LuRN11]

Ok guys,

So I'm for the ER all the way. Had my practicum there and fell in love, did great too! Could have gotten hired there, but I moved back to my home state(had no choice). However, I'm a new grad, in Los Angeles none the less. Chances of getting in an ER to start are slim to none.

I have the opportunity to get into a great OR program. If I ended up not liking it, how hard would it be for me to get hired on at an ER?

I've heard a lot of other specialties not considering the OR nurses to have transferrable skills when it comes to floor nursing? am I wrong?

I just don't want to pigeonhole myself into the OR and have a hard time getting hired on elsewhere if I hate it! I would have to commit to two years bottom line, but after that...?

Any input would be great! The more info the better. Thanks so much.

[CCU BSN RN]

When you come out of OR nursing, you'll basically be a new grad again. You won't have learned prioritization, triage, med passing, etc. You will learn, but you're right, you won't have the same skills. I wouldn't want to be in the OR as a new grad, but you're in a tough job market, so if you can get a job, and that's the only job you can get, take it. I'd take OR over LTC as a new grad, but if you can get Med/Surg or any inpatient unit, it will likely be easier to transfer to ED.

[LuRN11]

Thanks for the advice! Kind of what I figured.

I think I am in a good position to get a Med-surg or PICU position if I pass on the OR offer. I've had interviews and all seemed to go really well. The OR was just a sure thing, and it was offered before the other possible positions would have a chance to be offered. So kind of risky to pass on it... and you're right, it's extremely tough nowadays to secure a job. Lots of hoops to jump through, but I think I'll hold out.