Experience

Posts: 10 · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Twin Falls, ID

I am still a student but am looking into the surgical field. I am already hired to work on a surgical floor, but really want to be in the surgical room as a ciruclating nurse. How much experience do I need? I know its hospital preference, but what suggestion can you all give me?

Posts: 1 · Joined: 25 Feb 2007 Posts: 1

In order to be a successful operating room nurse a person needs a minimum of 1 year experience. there is so much to learn before specializing in a certain area

Posts: 1 · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 1 Location: Michigan

Dear Student,
If you really want to get to the OR, you'll have to be assertive. Start out by making an appointment with the Nurse Managers of the OR in the hospitals of your choice. Call the Nursing Administrative office at the hospital and tell them you want some mentoring. Get a meeting with an OR Manager. Share your career plans with them, ask them to show you around. Ask them about themselves and show an interest. Ask how they got to the OR and what they like about it, get the skinny from a professional, and if it still sounds like what you want, offer your services in any capacity that they may require, i.e. nursing assistant to the Recovery room, transporter, etc - anything to get your foot in the door. Remember, off-shifts are the hardest to fill, so offer that, too. .... then, go to HR and apply.
Best of luck. - Michelle

Posts: 10 · Joined: 12 Mar 2007 Posts: 10 Location: Savannah, GA

I would tell anybody to spend a year on a floor and then you could work anywhere. I wanted to go straight to the critical care units after school but there were no openings. I've been working on a cardiac floor for over a year now and I honestly can say that I can handle any work load now.