Went to a Job Fair today :)

[michele742]

I'm a nursing student in my first term and I decided to go to a hospital job fair today. It was quite the eye opener!! RN's who passed NCLEX last May and beyond STILL looking for a nursing position. I know I am jumping the gun, but I really want to land an ACP/PCT position in the OR/PACU, because ultimately, that is where I want to be and it was solidified again today.

All the tables lined up for the hospital's different locations...I saw a table that stood out...a table I couldn't take my eyes off of...the OR/PACU table Back in 2001 I worked in the OR and I LOVED every minute of it, as an ACP. The staff at that table were different...they were fun...they were personable...the exact same type of demeanor I remember my co-workers (nurses and doctors) had in the OR I worked.

Then, I get to the med/surge table...the only area that was actually hiring ACPs. I know I bombed their interview...and I know it was because my heart wasn't into it. I don't want med/surge...I want OR. Once I get my RN license, the OR is where I want to be...you ladies and gentlemen inspire me!! When I talk to those in OR, my face must light up or something because I'm confident and people listen to me and I don't stumble...lol. That med/surge interview...pffffttt...I was like a bumbling fool.

I just wanted to thank all of you OR nurses for sharing your stories and experiences...you keep that fire in me to want to join your ranks one day. You are all inspiring and I am so grateful for that. I didn't think that fire was still there...until once again, today, I was able to interact one-on-one with staff from an OR. It was fabulous!!

[CIRQL8]

Step one is having a goal. I, too, had a five year goal (at the time of my initial interview) to get into the OR or the ER. I fell in love with the OR during my 3-week OR rotation in nursing school. I loved the ER from my days as an EMT intern. It was hard top find a job, though. I must've graduated during th eonly semester when there was no nursing shortage.

But I did get an interview with the OR managers. And I did get offered a job in the OR right out of school (almost unheard of most places). I've been in the OR ever since and I simply love it. It was the best choice for me. But you do have to have the personality for it. It is a tough transition for some. The language is totally unique. The personalities are strong. The doctors are demanding. The job is physical and mental. There is "downtime" for the circulator during many cases while they are in "autopilot," but you must still have the eye and ear open for the needs of the field.

The list of "things to do" for a circulator is long and sometimes complicated. Multiple things need to be done simultaneously. You have to have tremendous critical thinking skills, be able to multitaks, and prioritization is key. You must have a keen understanding of sterile (aspetic) technique.

It takes time to get in the groove of your job. It takes time to establish a repoire with your suregons, anesthesiologists, and your coworkers. Do not be overdemanding of yourself. There is a reason why the orientation process is 6 to 12 months (depending on the institution and your specialty). It has been said that it takes 10,000 hours of doing one thing to become an expert at that thing. We do MANY things (types of procedures, etc.) in the OR. Be patient. Pay attention. Take notes. Listen. Watch. It can become your love, too.

Please excuse my typos.