Are u ever in the OR

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

I had a question for u NPs. I have always loved the acute care (ICU, cardiology, etc) environment and the OR and because of this reason when I planned furthering my education I never taught about becoming an NP. I was not aware that NPs worked in acute settings other than as FNP like PAs. So know that I know that the question is as an ACNP do you ever work in the OR as a first assist? do u do the pre-op and post-op care?

Secondly, and PLEASE do not fire me for this but did or do any of u feel like u are not trained enough because of the minimal hours (compared to PAs) of training? I have looked into several curriculums for NP programs and I have noticed that there are a lot of nursing theory classes. Now, I know that as an NP u are a nurse so its only right that there are some advanced nursing classes but do u really need the nursing theory? I mean do u ever use that knowledge? My point is when comparing the PA and NP curriculums it always seems that PAs get more medical knowledge. So do u feel trained enough?

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Great question. After graudating Nursing school, I was hired directly into the OR. I became an RNFA then went back to school to become a NP.

Given my background, this made for an easy transition into the OR as a NP.

So, yes I now work both in the OR and in various office settings. I am enjoying my job more than I ever thought possible given the variety.

Having said that, PA programs do offer much more in the way of OR training. I just met an ICU nurse who is now in a Bachelor's degree PA program for that very reason. If you have any kind of relationship with a surgeon, it will make your quest much simpler.

Hope this is helpful.

Trube

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

Thank u SOOOOOOOOOOO;) much for ur reply.

Yes, ur answer was very helpful so maybe the best thing for a new grad that plans of furthering her education would be to start out on a floor that is related to whatever she wants to specialise in. So a future mid-wife would find it more helpful working in LnD.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

hello, love-d-or,

check out the certified nurse midwives - cnm forum for responses regarding rn experience before midwifery. also, there are threads in the ob-gyn forum on this as well.

there are differeing opinions on this. some midwives say 'no' l and d experience beforehand. i disagree with that opinion, however. it's like any advanced practice nursing role, one needs previous rn experience in the specialty area beforehand. and, as i said, many disagree with this opinion.

many apns work in surgery. you might be interested in this article from medscape regarding rnfa and the apn:

www.medscape.com/viewarticle/499689

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