Head straight into NP program as soon after graduating with BSN or wait?

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Hello everyone! I've been struggling with this for the past year and it's really digging into my confidence as a nurse going forward.

I've been a nurse for two years. I've worked in a level 2 Trauma Center in the ICU for one year and I've been working as an OR circulator for the past year. I'm also currently working on my BSN and I plan to graduate this fall. I kind of want to go straight into the FNP program, but I'm very worried that I'm not prepared, but part of me wants to not stall and go straight into it and then learn as I become one. I'm currently preparing for a wedding in January 2026 and so I really don't want to put in peace school on the back burner too much. I would love to work in the OR as a first assistant as an NP. It's my dream job. I just feel guilty working in the OR right now but I've been the happiest I've ever been going to my job every day. I dreaded going to the ICU, but I've learned a lot of things. I guess what I'm trying to ask is if it's OK for me to head straight into NP school as soon as I'm done with my BSN? Should I wait longer? Go into another speciality? I guess there's always room for more experience and improvement as a nurse but dammit, I'm ready to do this thing, haha. Thoughts and advice? 

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

If you like the OR, you can be a first assist (RNFA) without having to be an NP. If you want to work as an NP who also functions as an RNFA then it's a good idea to do both. I think you can start now if this is what you want to do.

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