Any OR RNs get their FNP?

[MLB4]

Wondering if there are any OR nurses who have decided to become an FNP? Did you have any difficulty transitioning to an FNP role? Any difficulty finding a job with the OR experience?

Thanks in advance.

:)

[MereSanity]

Why not be an NP and work in the OR?

[MLB4]

Have you seen FNPs work in an OR setting? I was under the impression that usually ACNP are more likely for that type of position..

[heartlover]

I am currently in an FNP program. Haven't graduated yet, so I can't speak to difficulty of getting a job. I can, however say that my OR experience has brought a different kind of experience to my cohort. Sometimes it is a unique view that comes from more focused patient care or being closer to the docs and learning from them, and other times it's me being completely lost. I'm hoping that everything will come together soon and a job won't be too difficult after I graduate and get licensed.

[MereSanity]

I have seen FNP's in that position...but they had preexisting OR experience (could scrub and FA).

[BiotoBSNtoFNP]

I'm in an FNP program and there are a handful of RNs currently working in the OR. I havent heard anything about if they are having more trouble but Some have expressed that they wonder if they should try to change jobs beforethey graduate just to get some other more relevant experience. I dont think any have done that or are actually planning on it and my professors just say something generic like everyones experiences are different. But yes, there are multiple OR RNs in my fnp program!!

[fromtheseaRN, BSN, RN]

I've seen/met several who have gone back for their FNP so they can first assist, and make a living off of it. A couple were already RNFAs, but said Medicare would not reimburse their services if they did not have their NP.

[Alicia777, MSN, NP]

Me! I'm an OR nurse and graduated with FNP-still trying to find a job. Honestly, coming from the OR, and having been there for almost the past decade, it has been somewhat of a detriment to my finding employment in a couple outpatient instances where the hiring manager was worried about my lack of care of awake patients, ha!

If you want to become a Surgical NP-which is my hope pretty recently , I suggest obtaining your RNFA now, before searching for a job because that knowledge becomes attractive to potential employers. The Surgical NP is a rare breed-It's much easier for potentials to just hire PAs who have this surgical training in school so we need to be that much more prepared to get positions like this. I wish I had it already but do not.

Otherwise do as much as you can in your outpatient clinicals and try and build your comfort level in this type of patient (awake ones) that we don't get to spend all that much time with..

[MLB4]

Thanks, everyone!

Alicia777 - that's what I was worried about. I have ICU experience but wanted to make a transition to the OR, however, I am in an FNP program and I don't want to make a move that will make it difficult to obtain a job after I finish my program. How long have you been looking for a position? Do you have a relationship with any of your surgeons who would consider hiring you for their practice? Thanks so much for your help :)