Hospital to ASC: How to Make the Move

Are you eyeing a perioperative nursing job in an ASC? The benefits of working in ambulatory surgical care are worth considering. Maybe you need better work/life balance or want to hone your skills in a particular specialty.

“Moving from the main OR of a hospital to an ASC can be an exciting and beneficial career move for a perioperative nurse,” according to Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) Board Chair Jan Davidson, MSN, RN, CNOR.

However, she notes that the unique job requirements of ASC nursing should be considered. For example, perioperative nurses in ASCs often take on multiple roles. They also need to be proactive in their learning due to a lack of dedicated educators in an ASC. “Main OR nurses transitioning to ASC positions should focus on developing specific skills to adapt to the unique environment of an ASC,” she suggests.

Davidson suggested these ASC-specific realities that a hospital-based OR nurse can explore before seeking an ASC position to be better prepared for the move.

ASC Nursing Benefits to Consider

#1 Accommodating Schedule

The perks of working standard business hours with no weekends or holidays is often what may pique a nurse’s interest to explore an ASC position. Another schedule perk is flexibility of per diem options that can further accommodate family and personal needs.

#2 Expanded Skillset

One other major benefit of ASC nursing is being able to develop and expand unique skills to advance an OR nurse’s career trajectory in new ways. This advancement can happen in two key areas within ASC practice, Davidson explains.

First, because ASCs often specialize in a single specialty, such as ophthalmology, this can allow nurses to hone their skills to work in areas of personal and professional interest. This specialization has the added benefit of leading to improved patient outcomes and greater job satisfaction.

Second, nurses in ASCs frequently care for the same patient both pre- and postoperatively, helping nurses build skills on both sides of surgical care. Being with a patient before and after surgery can offer even more personalized and consistent care experiences that build trust and comfort for patients.

#3 Deeper Team Connections

Surgeons generally spend the entire day at the ASC which, in addition to reducing delays and improving workflow efficiency, can foster more consistent teams. “This consistency contributes to a positive and streamlined work environment, enhancing physician and nurse satisfaction,” Davidson notes. This also creates patient satisfaction, which benefits both patients and staff, she adds.

ASC Job Requirements to Plan for

#1 You will be asked to take on multiple roles

Beyond their primary responsibilities, nurses may be tasked with infection prevention, and roles such as Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) coordinator, radiation safety officer, laser safety officer, and medication safety officer. “These additional roles provide opportunities for professional growth and can provide a sense of ownership in the ASC's success,” Davidson shares. “The diversity of these roles also fosters a collaborative and motivated workforce.”

#2 Your education will be more self-driven

Due to the absence of dedicated educators in ASCs, nurses must be proactive in their learning. For example, most ASCs require their nurses to be Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified, and if pediatric care is provided, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is also necessary, Davidson describes. “These certifications provide the nurse with the necessary skills to handle emergencies effectively and efficiently.”

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Moving to an ASC

#1 Can you handle fast and efficient turnovers?

Quick room turnovers and efficient instrument reprocessing ensure smooth patient flow and high standards of care in an ASC. Key to this is effective teamwork, a strong understanding of OR and PACU standards of care, and ethical practices to uphold quality and safety protocols.

#2 Do you have expertise in a specialty care area?

Experience in orthopedics or cardiovascular, for example, is advantageous, as it makes nurses more versatile and valuable in an ASC setting. Critical care experience is also beneficial for PACU or overnight care in an ASC because it enhances the ability to handle emergent, unanticipated patient events.

#3 Are you comfortable collaborating with surgeons?

Surgeons often have a vested interest in the center and are supportive and collaborative with staff, Davidson notes. “My experience as an AAAHC Surveyor allowed me to see how a collaborative and engaging ASC work environment can foster a culture of continuous improvement and patient-centered care that is exciting to be a part of.”

Related Resources

• ASC Academy: Infection Prevention Online Course: Helps infection preventionists ensure regulatory compliance and develop an effective infection control program in their ASC.
• Safe Administration of Moderate Sedation: Level up your skills and learn how to safely administer & monitor patients receiving moderate sedation. The revamped course includes an Emergency Preparedness lesson with 3 location-based scenarios to choose from: main OR, GI lab, and ASC.
• Laser Safety Courses: From fulfilling annual training requirements and preparing medical laser safety officers for their vital role, AORN offers laser courses to support safe surgery.
• Periop 202: New to a periop specialty? Find the training you need to prepare for specialty procedures: joint replacements, cardiovascular procedures, gastrointestinal procedures, and more.
• Find more Ambulatory Surgery education.