Where do you work as an NP?

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Oct 27, 2015

Do research on RNFA if you like the surgical aspect.

kaylom9 · Oct 27, 2015

Okay, Thank you!

allnurses Guide · Oct 27, 2015

FNPs right now are the most versatile and have historically been used in many settings including the OR, however the vast majority work in out-patient clinic settings. If you are interested in surgery than RNFA is something to consider; the APN scope differs by state and role in surgery is one thing that varies widely.

As NPs head toward the consensus model this may change with time so consider that when making your decision.

twozer0, NP · Oct 27, 2015

My facility does not require the RNFA title to work as an assist in the OR. They require a first assist class and some facilities are fine with physician mentoring as means to train. Check with your facility first as these requirements will vary wildly.

Jules A, MSN · Oct 27, 2015

My facility does not require the RNFA title to work as an assist in the OR. They require a first assist class and some facilities are fine with physician mentoring as means to train. Check with your facility first as these requirements will vary wildly.

I'm wondering if it wouldn't also depend on their state's BON scope of practice?

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Oct 27, 2015

Aren't PA's usually more widely used in an OR than NP's?

Please don't shoot. My local hospital just started utilizing NP's (and PA's) in inpatient settings in the last few years so I'm not as familiar!!

It does seem I hear of more PA's in the surgery suite assisting than NP's.

MallysMama · Oct 28, 2015

Aren't PA's usually more widely used in an OR than NP's?
Please don't shoot. My local hospital just started utilizing NP's (and PA's) in inpatient settings in the last few years so I'm not as familiar!!
It does seem I hear of more PA's in the surgery suite assisting than NP's.

Yes, I think PAs are more commonly found in the OR. But if NPs receive the training (whether in their program or by a surgeon willing to mentor), they can also do it. Having the RNFA helps. In Jan 2016 it will be required if they want to bill (or so I've been told). The benefit of becoming an NP and not just a RNFA is to be able to manage the patients pre- and post-op, along with helping during the surgery.

To the OP- I'm in the middle of my AG-ACNP program with the goal of being a first assist and managing the care of the surgical patients! I think Alicia777 is an FNP in the OR and she could be of more help too!

sailornurse · Oct 28, 2015

I currently have 5 part time jobs as a FNP.

I work in 2 different urgent cares, work part time at an allergy/asthma/immunology, part time doing health risk assessments prn, one weekend per month I work at an acute inpatient psych hospital doing H&Ps on new admits.

In the past I worked in 2 different methadone clinics, primary care, & taught in a BSN program.

sauce · Oct 28, 2015

emergency department, main section, managing the same stuff the md does for a quarter of the pay. Still pays pretty well into six figures though, rather rural area. They let us put in lines and intubate but we can't run the trauma or any of that stuff of course. Usually just the usual copd, pneumonia, chf, old people illness stuff, most kids go to the fast track thankfully.

twozer0, NP · Oct 28, 2015

I'm wondering if it wouldn't also depend on their state's BON scope of practice?

As far as I'm aware of in PA that is part of your collaborative agreement (since PA is a limited state). I would assume other states it might have clauses in them about practice in the OR. I would imagine if the NP has a first assist than it would mirror that of a PA.

PG2018 · Oct 29, 2015

Sitting in a private office in a clinic. No touching. Just talking. Reading between patients. Inconvenient typing. Pay is outstanding, Roth 401k not so much.