Best route to career in the OR?

[EKTheRN]

Hello all,

I am a fairly new nursing student, but for some reason I have myself thinking about my future already...I can't seem to help it!

Anyway, at this point I'm fairly confident in two things: I want to pursue a graduate-level degree and I want to work in the OR. The next point I struggle with is my role; I've thought about CRNA or some sort of NP role (although I'm not sure how NPs are utilized in the OR setting).

I would like to be able to practice some form of autonomy, and I want an active role in the intraoperative phase of care. Are NPs with RNFAs utilized in the operating room, or is that left to the residents and scrub techs?

So...CRNAs and NPs, I would love to hear your feedback! Obviously comparing the role of a CRNA to that of a NP is like comparing apples and oranges. What is the best way to go about learning more about these two careers?

Thanks in advance to all.