Career growth in the OR

[TXcatcher]

I wanted to be an OR nurse in nursing school, and even did an internship in one of the best ORs in my city. I was not offered a job (long story), and went on to be an acute care floor nurse. I currently work in a highly specialized area and have the best coworkers and work environment. I tried looking for jobs months ago during a time of frustration, and now I've been presented with an opportunity to work in the OR. It would likely be a huge pay raise, and possibly better hours. The problem I'm having is that I have a plan. I planned to stay in my current position for at least one more year, then transfer to ICU, then go to ACNP school. Now I'm doubting everything with this new potential opportunity. I am wondering what kind of career growth there is in the OR? I know of RNFA, but all the hospitals in my area are teaching, so that's what residents are for... I can't decide if the move would hurt my career in the long run.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I've worked with a few nurses who went from the OR into advanced practice- one currently works for one of the surgeons she frequently circulated for as a first assistant and another is now in family practice. So if advance practice nursing is one of your goals, it is possible as an OR nurse. There's also education and management options, whether full department or specialty line supervisors. Have you reached out to other ORs in your area to see what opportunities are available other than within your current facility?