AG-CNS or FNP

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Specializes in Operating Room/Surgical Services.

Hello!

I have been working in the operating room for 2 years as a circulating nurse. My ultimate dream is working as a Surgical NP RNFA (first assist). I am currently applying to DNP programs but am not sure what is the program to help me reach my goal. The university close to me doesn't offer an acute care np program, but they do offer an adult/gero clinical nurse specialist and family nurse practitioner program. What is the best program to go with if I want to follow patients from preop visits to rounds and post op visits, and assist in the OR?

Any help and info is greatly appreciated!

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Depends on what you want to do. The role of a CNS and NP is very different. In CA a CNS cannot prescribe medications. Look up the roles as defined by your board of nursing. If oyur ultimate dream is to work as an RNFA why not do that instead of the DNP?

Goodluck with your future endeavors.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

And always keep in mind the Consensus Model and LACE - hospitals in IL are slowly moving to not credentialing FNPs in the hospital.

As to CNS, agree with above poster - whats your state practice act say? In IL, CNS=NP so I have full prescriptive authority.

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