OR nurse to nurse practitioner...possible?

Gator FNP · Apr 14, 2009

Of course you can go from OR RN to NP. You will learn most of what you need to practice from your NP program. Ensure you get good clinical experience, if school does not offer a good experience, set up your own. I interned with a Family/Internal medicine practice that I set up myself, the school offered the health dept. I was able to see alot and learn.

The FNP track would make you more marketable since you can treat babies to geriatrics. There are so many opportunities out there depending on what you would like to do.

Good luck.

Alisabeth, BSN, MSN, DNP · Apr 15, 2009

I was an OR for 2+ years before I went back to school to get my FNP. I graduate in July '09, and I plan on working with a surgeon seeing pre-op, post-op patients, and first assisting in the OR. Getting your Family NP is better for marketing yourself when looking for a job, I personally wish the Adult track would have been available at my school. That is just me though! :)

Jo Dirt · Apr 15, 2009

I've basically just worked in a nursing home since I've been a nurse (the lowest of the low as far as prestige goes) and it was good enough to get me accepted into a FNP program.

You won't have any trouble.

starla76 · Apr 16, 2009

Well, I went from classical musician to a direct entry FNP program, so yeah, I'd say you will be just fine. Good luck.

Gottago · Apr 18, 2009

Hey, thanks for the replies. I've been busy with work, and it's been a few days since I've been able to get back to this thread. I really appreciate the encouragement. I'd like to continue working, if possible, while going to NP school. I looked into one university, ECU, since they offer a part-time NP online program. But, they said I would not be eligible for the online NP program since I'm not a resident of North Carolina. I've heard about the NP program offered by Frontier. I need to look them up and get their info. Any other advice would certainly be welcomed.

A big thanks to everyone!!!! :yeah: