A day as a surgical NP

[Reaz, BSN]

What do surgical NPs do? Can you explain your role and what a typical day is like?

Is having a RNFA beneficial? Do surgical NPs scrub in and help assist?

Also, does being an OR nurse help you become a surgical NP? I am a new grad RN and I want to be an OR nurse first. I only will have 6 months of surgical/tele floor nursing experience when I make the transfer into the OR. Do I need more floor nursing experience to be a surgical NP?

Thanks!

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

Many states are beginning to require the RNFA - it certainly can't hurt to get it, but make sure you know what your state requires. If you pursue the RNFA prior to your NP, you need 2 years of peri-op RN experience and to pass the CNOR certification exam. If you pursue it after your NP, then those requirements are waived.

NPs on a surgical service (even without the RNFA) can function as an intraoperative first assist and bill CMS. Typically they will split time between rounding on inpatients and new consults, the OR, and the clinic. Get the OR experience and you will get a much better idea of what a surgical NP/PA job is really like.