FNP worth it for aesthetic/plastic surgery field

[Katya944, BSN]

Hello. I've been a nurse for about a year now and just got accepted into an FNP program. My goal is to work in the aesthetic/plastic surgery field and getting accepted into this FNP program was kind of a last minute thing. Wanted to see if anyone who had experience in this for the plastic surgery field does it make a big difference to have your RN vs. your FNP? I'm also planning to move to California and am currently residing in New York. This program would make me have to take out more loans reduce my hours at work significantly and keep me here in New York another two years. Just wanted some input from anyone who has experience in the plastic surgery/aesthetic field if getting the NP is really necessary? Or if it could be put off for a later time.

Thank you!

[SweetSouthernLove, ASN, BSN]

It really all depends on what you want to do as an FNP. Do you want to work in the OR with the surgeon or in the clinic seeing these types of patients? As an FNP you will most likely do both and this is what I have seen at my facility. We have one FNP and one PA who have been with the same plastic surgeon for years. He has certain "block time" to operate during the week and they follow his patients pre/postoperatively as well as any other patients on that service. FNP is a good route, but you really need to be committed to it as it will be a big investment with both your finances, time, effort and emotions. I would think for awhile about what you want to really do in this field and plan things out financially based on what FNPs in this field make in your area and what you currently make now and weigh out the decision that way. The good thing about FNP school is that it isn't going anywhere :) Good luck.