2 answers
Kaelie
Student
Henderson, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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What experience should I get to become an operating room/circulatory nurse? From my understanding, getting in the OR as a new grad nurse is difficult, so where should I start to eventually work up to the OR?
I'm currently a high school senior, but I will be entering college in the fall for pre-nursing.
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2 answers
Alex Morgan
Nurse Anesthesiologist
9
Answers
Blackfoot, Idaho
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Nurses are in such high demand you can definitely get a job as a new grad in the OR. I work with a couple new grad nurses in the OR. You just have to look and you will find opportunities. The more open you are to moving to a different part of the country the more opportunities you will have as well. I would recommend trying to get around the OR as much as you can now. The more familiar you are with the flow of the OR and the more connections you make with the OR staff the better your chances of getting a good OR nurse job right out of school. Look for entry level jobs in the OR while in school that you could potentially work part time. Try and do job shadowing in the OR. Try and get as much clinical experience in school in the OR. The more you put yourself out there around other OR staff the more you will be noticed and better relationships you will create with the OR administration/staff.
Hi Alex,
I am a Surg. Tech and hope to work as a scrub nurse once I finish school. Look into some short programs like Surg. Tech, Anesthesia Tech. ER Tech, Sterile Processing . They all have some type of relation to the OR. It might be worth looking into.
Evelyn
Evelyn, you are exactly right! Those are all great ideas to start getting familiar with the OR and get your foot in the door for working as an RN in the OR! Good luck to you!
Alex Morgan
Susana Abena Appiah
MIDWIFE
67
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana Abena’s Answer
Hi Kaelie, thanks for the question.
It is good that you're planning ahead for your career in nursing! Transitioning into the Operating Room (OR) as a circulatory nurse can indeed be competitive, but with the right experience and strategy, you can make it happen. This is a guide to help you work your way up to the OR:
1. Start with a Strong Foundation in Nursing
Since you’ll be entering pre-nursing, focus on building a solid foundation in clinical nursing first. You’ll need to be well-versed in the basics of nursing, such as patient care, medical procedures, and general anatomy.
You’ll need to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which will give you the qualifications to become a registered nurse (RN).
2. Get Your RN License
After you complete your BSN program, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN. This is a crucial step before you can move forward with any specialized roles, including working in the OR.
3. Gain Experience in Med-Surg or Other Acute Care Areas
It’s common for nurses to start in med-surg (medical-surgical) units, telemetry, or ICU (Intensive Care Unit) before transitioning to the OR. These areas allow you to develop critical skills such as:
Patient assessment and monitoring
Emergency response
Infection control (which is essential in the OR)
Working in these areas will also help you become familiar with common surgical procedures and improve your time management and multitasking skills, which are crucial in the OR setting.
4. Pursue Specialized Certifications
After gaining a few years of experience as an RN, you may want to look into certifications that are specific to the OR. Two important ones are:
CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room): A certification that demonstrates expertise in perioperative nursing and is often required or highly preferred by hospitals for OR nurses.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support): This is an important certification to have, especially in the OR, where you might need to respond to emergencies.
5. Seek Out Opportunities for OR Experience
OR Nurse Internship or Residency Programs: Many hospitals offer nurse residency programs or internships in the OR. These programs are designed to help new nurses transition into specialized areas such as the OR. Apply to these programs once you have a few years of general nursing experience.
Shadowing OR Nurses: If possible, try shadowing OR nurses during your time in nursing school or as a new graduate. This will give you a better sense of the environment and the specific duties involved.
6. Network and Build Relationships
Talk to Nurses in the OR: Develop relationships with OR nurses or nurse managers. Let them know you’re interested in the field. Many nurses enter the OR through networking, and knowing people in the department can give you an edge when openings arise.
Attend Conferences or Seminars: Attend nursing conferences or seminars that focus on perioperative nursing. These events can help you stay up to date with OR practices and make valuable connections.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Getting into the OR as a new grad can be competitive, but don’t get discouraged. Many nurses gain OR experience after a few years in other nursing roles. By continuing to build your skills and network with professionals in the field, you’ll increase your chances of transitioning into the OR when the time is right.
Recommended Steps Moving Forward:
Focus on your BSN and NCLEX-RN to become an RN.
Gain experience in general acute care (med-surg, ICU, telemetry) to develop foundational skills.
After 1-2 years, start looking into OR residency programs or shadowing opportunities.
Consider pursuing certifications like CNOR or ACLS.
By building a strong clinical foundation and gaining experience, you will be well-prepared to work your way into the operating room
It is good that you're planning ahead for your career in nursing! Transitioning into the Operating Room (OR) as a circulatory nurse can indeed be competitive, but with the right experience and strategy, you can make it happen. This is a guide to help you work your way up to the OR:
1. Start with a Strong Foundation in Nursing
Since you’ll be entering pre-nursing, focus on building a solid foundation in clinical nursing first. You’ll need to be well-versed in the basics of nursing, such as patient care, medical procedures, and general anatomy.
You’ll need to complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which will give you the qualifications to become a registered nurse (RN).
2. Get Your RN License
After you complete your BSN program, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a licensed RN. This is a crucial step before you can move forward with any specialized roles, including working in the OR.
3. Gain Experience in Med-Surg or Other Acute Care Areas
It’s common for nurses to start in med-surg (medical-surgical) units, telemetry, or ICU (Intensive Care Unit) before transitioning to the OR. These areas allow you to develop critical skills such as:
Patient assessment and monitoring
Emergency response
Infection control (which is essential in the OR)
Working in these areas will also help you become familiar with common surgical procedures and improve your time management and multitasking skills, which are crucial in the OR setting.
4. Pursue Specialized Certifications
After gaining a few years of experience as an RN, you may want to look into certifications that are specific to the OR. Two important ones are:
CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room): A certification that demonstrates expertise in perioperative nursing and is often required or highly preferred by hospitals for OR nurses.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support): This is an important certification to have, especially in the OR, where you might need to respond to emergencies.
5. Seek Out Opportunities for OR Experience
OR Nurse Internship or Residency Programs: Many hospitals offer nurse residency programs or internships in the OR. These programs are designed to help new nurses transition into specialized areas such as the OR. Apply to these programs once you have a few years of general nursing experience.
Shadowing OR Nurses: If possible, try shadowing OR nurses during your time in nursing school or as a new graduate. This will give you a better sense of the environment and the specific duties involved.
6. Network and Build Relationships
Talk to Nurses in the OR: Develop relationships with OR nurses or nurse managers. Let them know you’re interested in the field. Many nurses enter the OR through networking, and knowing people in the department can give you an edge when openings arise.
Attend Conferences or Seminars: Attend nursing conferences or seminars that focus on perioperative nursing. These events can help you stay up to date with OR practices and make valuable connections.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Getting into the OR as a new grad can be competitive, but don’t get discouraged. Many nurses gain OR experience after a few years in other nursing roles. By continuing to build your skills and network with professionals in the field, you’ll increase your chances of transitioning into the OR when the time is right.
Recommended Steps Moving Forward:
Focus on your BSN and NCLEX-RN to become an RN.
Gain experience in general acute care (med-surg, ICU, telemetry) to develop foundational skills.
After 1-2 years, start looking into OR residency programs or shadowing opportunities.
Consider pursuing certifications like CNOR or ACLS.
By building a strong clinical foundation and gaining experience, you will be well-prepared to work your way into the operating room