Want to be an OR Nurse! How?

[reaghankate]

I am very interested in getting into Periop nursing but do not have that type of nursing experience. I have almost 2 years of solid medsurg nursing experience and am actually a medsurg travel RN now. I wanted to get into the OR after nursing school, but nurses, instructors, and preceptors all said it is best to get a solid base in medsurg, so that's what I did! However, all the OR jobs I see say they require OR experience! Do I just apply anyway and hope to get my foot in? What have some of you done? I am trying to set up a shadow/volunteer experience at my current contract to at least let me see it all firsthand. Thanks!

[Jazzyjazz]

You may want to look into getting into a perioperative nursing internship program in your area or an area that you are interested in working in.

[twinsmom788]

I would suggest googling your local chapter of AORN and attend a meeting. These nurses would be happy to discuss their chosen speciality and would give you information to achieve your goal. I worked SICU and the ER straight out of school and then joined the peri- operative course at my hospital. It is very hard work, but I enjoyed it more than any other field. Best of luck!

[CIRQL8]

When you see an OR position open, apply. Even if it states OR experience preferred or required. Speak with the OR manager directly. It's not easy getting OR nurses with experience. Your enthusiasm may make them look at you twice. From my point of view, the OR is simply the best area to work.