Circulating nurse to NP?

[npforme]

Hi everyone. I am currently a circulating nurse in the OR who just began a 2.5 year Family Nurse Practitioner program. I have been a nurse for 7 years and prior to that 6 years as a paramedic. I am aware that OR nursing is far different than bedside nursing on other units and am wondering if it may hinder my transition to becoming a successful NP. An additional concern, however, is learning a new nursing role during the middle of grad school. So, my questions are:

1. Does it matter what kind of RN experience I have when transitioning into the FNP role?

2. Would it be worth it to transfer to another unit during the middle of grad school?

3. If so, what hospital units (if any) should be considered for gaining applicable experience to make it a more successful transition?

I want to give myself the best chance to succeed as a nurse practitioner and am open to any and all thoughts you may have. Thank you!

[Nurse Face Blog]

I have met several NPs that were OR nurses. They all work in the OR as a first assist along with rounding on patients. Being in the OR may benefit you if you want to be more involved in surgery itself.

[npforme]

Thank you! The first assists at my hospital are either non-APRNs (some surgical techs and some RNs) or are PAs. I do know that some of the surgeons I work with have NP's working with them in clinic and round for them, but do not make it into the OR. It is nice to know, however, that you have met several OR nurses that are now NPs. Perhaps I could be the first in my hospital to work as a FA NP :) Thank you again for your response!