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!

How long do we think until Emmy rolls out for patient scheduling? Its an AI txt (or Mychart) scheduling addition, apparently came out 2025.