Am I in the right place for this type of nursing?

[Hotshot007]

Hello, I was hoping for some info about the journey getting into specific types of nursing and I figured I would start here since going by title, this is the closest linked.

First of all, I am just getting into nursing, I have my bachelor's in an unrelated field and only recently looked into and found nursing to be a good fit for me. I was advised by a family friend since I had my bachelors already, I should acquire a Surgical Technology certification before going thru a nursing program so i could 1. have a specialty in mind once I graduate from a Nursing program 2. would be able to more readily acquire work involving patient contact, part-time or per diem, that I could fit around classes, 3. would pay better than work as an EMT so I could work during school and wouldn't drown in loans once I go back to school (since I used up most of my grants as an undergrad) 4. once I got done with nursing school, get a position as a scrub nurse or even an RN Surgical First Assistant, since the number of nurses who can scrub in on surgical cases I was told is not that high, making the combination of surg tech/RN very good to have.

Now, having said all this, I have 2 questions:
So my planned course at the moment is to go thru a surgical tech course, then thru an RN program, hopefully an abbreviated one since I already have my bachelors. Has anyone done this before, gone thru this route? If so, what were the hurdles or pitfalls you have, or are are experiencing?

Second, am I posting this to the right forum group? I want to work mostly in the OR, does that fall into the heading of Med/Surg?

[TriciaB]

Nope. Med-surg refers to floor nursing; (the surg part refers to pts who have had surgery). You're talking about OR or perioperative nursing.

I would weigh the costs of the surg tech vs the RN program. Would it really be cost effective to take a separate course first? Also, surg tech involves very little patient contact (they are anesthetized). Your best bet might be to call a few hospital recruiters and get their input. They would be in the best position to tell you what kinds of jobs and hours are available.

Good luck to you.

[JohnKutheRN]

I've done the "abbreviated [nursing school] since I already have my bachelors". An accelerated 1 year/3 semester BSN program, which was very intense and time consuming. I could not imagine working and doing that.

[medicaltransportflorida]

There may exist less sharp types of nursing, but I am wonder if your doubts are extra real or likely. Have you made mistake or are you now attentive to the option that you could create one? I'd say most of us require a year to start to sense really capable, some need more and that's no crime. The fact that your manager is being helpful tells me they may have more assurance in you than you do in manually.

[awheat]

Agree w/ JohnKutheRN's comment - the bridge program is a challenging beast and the people who did try to work while doing so struggled. Not to say it is impossible, but definitely challenging. Many of the nurses I graduated with (2 yrs ago) are working in OR positions - internships are available for new grads at several facilities and you can specialize without spending the year getting your surg-tech degree.

[tinman1227]

It is not necessary to obtain your surg tech prior to acquiring your R.N.. Most hospitals would like you to have a year or two of Med Surg prior to going to OR or ER. It really depends on the location and the demand. I have seen new grads walk straight into the OR. Good luck with your studies!

[24hr-medical]

Hi! I am a medical staffer from California. Our office is located in Diamond Bar, CA. We are currently looking for RN's who has at least one year experience. We have openings (Both Travel and Per Diem). If you're interested or you know anyone who is, please email me at [email]medical.staffer@yahoo.com. Thank you! We also hire LVN's and CNA's.

[ziesha001]

I've done the "abbreviated [nursing school] since I already have my bachelors". An accelerated 1 year/3 semester BSN program, which was very intense and time consuming. I could not imagine working and doing that.

I fully Agree With you.

[bouclier]

@Hotshot007,
You are at right place.

[marilynstoner]

This is a very creative track to the OR. There is a very LARGE looming shortage of OR nurses where many are at or over retirement age.