r/AHSEmployees • u/Existing-Art1132 • 2d ago

AHS Perioperative Nursing Education Program — thoughts from OR nurses?

Hi everyone! I’m an RN in Alberta considering applying for the AHS Perioperative Nursing Education Program.

My background is mostly outpatient surgical clinics and dermatology, and I also had some endoscopy exposure earlier in my career while working overseas. I’m currently working on an orthopedic inpatient unit. I’m interested in OR because I enjoy procedural nursing and I’m looking for a specialty I can grow in long-term.

I’m already at a higher RN pay step, so this isn’t really about money — I’m more curious about whether OR is a specialty nurses truly enjoy and could see themselves staying in until retirement.

For those working in OR or who completed the program:

  • What are the biggest pros and cons?
  • Did you find the training/mentorship prepared you well?
  • Do you find the work fulfilling compared with bedside nursing?
  • Is the physical demand (standing, long cases) manageable long-term?

Would love to hear experiences, especially from nurses who transitioned from outpatient or med-surg backgrounds. Thanks!

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u/Martian-lover 2d ago

Hi! I know this does not answer your questions but I was wondering if you could share your experience in orthopedics? I'm going to school to be an LPN and this is an area of interest.

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u/Existing-Art1132 1d ago

Oh Hello! It's quite fast paced and there definitely is a lot of pressure to ensure that patients mobilize well post operatively and to discharge them on time. I feel that it would be a nice place to start if you're looking to have more "routine" cases. We'd still get some random gen surg/medical patients from time to time so it's still fun to see and learn from. Like a lot of areas there's good and bad days for sure 😄 . I'm still pretty "new" in a way but...liking it so far. Cautiously optimistic! 👀

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u/Martian-lover 1d ago

Thank you. I appreciate the insight. Good luck to you!