Advanced Degrees for O.R. Nurses

[qxvu85]

Hi,

I have about one year experience in the O.R. and looking to go back to school for an advance degree. I have researched many schools and many MSN degree options and Im a little confused. I originally wanted to get a MSN in clinical leadership but was informed that it does not translate to O.R. like it traditionally would for floor nurses. I looked into N.P. but feel like my skills (assessment) have drastically diminished since graduating nursing school in 2012 and working only in the O.R. since. Now, Im looking at MSN/MBA route but unsure if that is something someone with only a years experience should consider. It does not make sense for me to have an MSN/MBA degree with about 3 years of O.R. nursing experience if I can not use that degree upon graduating. I have to be strategic about what advance degree option I choose and its job outlook because I have a TON of student loans (2 bachelors).

The busisness aspect of O.R. nursing is appealing to me and so does a clinical leadership role. Im hoping to start school next fall with about 1.5 years of experience under my belt and having 3.5 by the time I graduate. I plan on working fulltime and studying parttime. I have a bachelors in chemistry and a bachelors in nursing. If anyone has been down this road/done research in this or can shed any information, Id greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

[Just.Blessed.RN, BSN, RN]

Bump for comments!!!

[heather42r]

I'm curious too!

[penniv]

I have a couple of things in mind. The first is a RNFA. This would allow you to work more advanced role in the operating room which it sounds like you want to do. The other option is to go ahead and get your NP and find a surgical group to work with. I am an orthopedic nurse practitioner and I split my time between the operating room and the clinic.

[Alicia777, MSN, NP]

I'm a Surgical NP in orthopedics and general surgery for inpatients at a local hospital. In my state you must have your RNFA to first assist.

There are jobs but there's a lot of scut work similar to that of a surgical resident (seeing consults in the ER, am rounds etc). If you love the OR though, go for it 😊

[brighidh]

I have a similar question -- I'm finishing the BSN and wanting to go straight into an MSN but am unsure of what. This is a 2nd career for me and I would like to just wrap it up educational-wise and quit going to school -- "coast" (educationally) through to retirement after the Master's. Also, got kids coming in behind me and they'll start college in a few years. I'm interested in RNFA, but I'm also interested in NP for surgical-ortho. I don't know if there are other areas where an NP could practice and I feel I would have to quit OR to go work on assessments/other in order to process through an NP program, too. My only other interest is ER.

To be blunt, I'd also like to know what the pay is for both RNFA and NP-surg/Ortho, etc. I have no idea what I'm looking at and if going for another degree to the tune of $30k or more is reasonable given the return in salary.

[penniv]

I don't know if there are other areas where an NP could practice and I feel I would have to quit OR to go work on assessments/other in order to process through an NP program, too. My only other interest is ER.

To be blunt, I'd also like to know what the pay is for both RNFA and NP-surg/Ortho, etc. I have no idea what I'm looking at and if going for another degree to the tune of $30k or more is reasonable given the return in salary.

As previously stated, I am an orthopedic NP. I split my time between clinic (90%) & OR (10%). Most of the PA's in my department split 60/40 though. Salary is very variable. I will just say that I make a base that is in the low 100k plus a productivity bonus quarterly.

Hope this helps some.

Penni

[heather42r]

Thanks. I had not known this was possible and it sounds like a nice blend of things. I'm new to the OR so I'm making no plans yet to do anything! Just learning learning learning right now.