Operating Room Residency

Pursue a career in perioperative nursing with guidance and instruction from Cone Health’s Operating Room (OR) Residency. This program is designed for new and experienced RNs with no previous experience in the OR.

What to Expect During the OR Residency

Get comprehensive training to begin your new role as an operating room nurse. Through classes, mentoring, and clinical rotations you’ll learn how to skillfully assess patients, coordinate surgery, assist in the operating room, and serve as a patient advocate.

Learn the Fundamentals

Build a foundation for OR nursing by attending lectures and practicing your clinical care through skills lab activities.

Clinical Rotations

Up to 22 weeks in clinical rotations to gain exposure to a wide range of surgeries as a circulator and scrub nurse. Circulators monitor patients and the sterile field; while scrub nurses maintain the sterile field and handle surgical instrumentation during the procedure.

Support from Experienced Nurses

Benefit from comprehensive support from an OR Resident Facilitator, who in conjunction with a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), coordinates classroom learning and clinical rotations to provide the best possible learning experience. Meet with the Facilitator regularly to assess your progress as you work toward independent perioperative nursing.

You’ll also appreciate knowledge, counsel and encouragement from nurse preceptors who work one-on-one with you throughout your clinical rotations.

Who Qualifies for the OR Residency?

You may apply for the Operating Room Residency whether you are a new graduate or an experienced nurse if you:

• Are a registered nurse (RN).
• Are or will be licensed by the North Carolina Board of Nursing before the Residency begins.
• Can commit to one year of full-time employment in a Cone Health operating room department.
• Will be available to work any shift during your Residency.

How to Apply to the OR Residency

Applications open in February for the Summer Residency and September for the Winter Residency.

Submit an application online through the Cone Health Career Center. 

Residency Interview

After we’ve reviewed your application materials, you may be asked to interview with Nurse Recruitment and the Operating Room.