In surgical sales, OR means operating room. When an employer asks for OR experience, ask which procedures, products, and responsibilities it has in mind. Time spent selling to a hospital does not explain what someone has done in a procedure room.
Describe the experience you've had
Be specific about your role, the product area, and the setting. Case support as a device representative, work as an OR nurse or surgical technologist, and product education are different experiences. Explain yours without treating them as interchangeable.
- Which procedures or specialties did you support?
- What were you responsible for before, during, and after a case?
- What product training did you complete?
- How much of your work took place in the OR?
Keep examples free of patient details and other confidential information.
Understand the boundaries of the role
A sales representative's presence in an OR is governed by the facility's policies. AORN's position statement describes requirements for authorization, credentialing, and orientation, and states that industry representatives do not provide direct patient care or take part in sterile field activities.
Read AORN's position statement on health care industry representatives (PDF, opens in a new tab) for that professional guidance. Your employer and the facility define the requirements that apply to the work.
If you're new to the OR
Ask whether the position includes training and supervised development or requires prior case support experience. An associate or clinical specialist title alone does not tell you the entry requirements.
Don't arrange an informal visit or ride-along in a clinical setting without the employer's and facility's authorization. Ask how any observation or training would be organized.
Bring the questions to Robin
When you share your résumé, distinguish your sales experience from your clinical or case support experience. Robin can discuss the requirements of a particular search and help you understand what the employer is asking for.