Looking for grad school/career advice from experienced NP

[velardern]

HI, looking at going to U of Washington for the ACNP program that focuses on cardiopulmonary problems. My question is how much will I be able to do with this as far as skills? I would prefer to be in the OR for eg. helping out vs. doing rounds on a daily basis. As of right now, I work in the ep/cath lab and greatly enjoy it, so I'm looking to further my education and yet stay in the same field. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[cgfnp]

HI, looking at going to U of Washington for the ACNP program that focuses on cardiopulmonary problems. My question is how much will I be able to do with this as far as skills? I would prefer to be in the OR for eg. helping out vs. doing rounds on a daily basis. As of right now, I work in the ep/cath lab and greatly enjoy it, so I'm looking to further my education and yet stay in the same field. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

With this you will be able to do whatever the doc you work with is comfortable giving you to do, depending on state law. You will definitely be making rounds, doing stress tests, assisting in surgery if your state allows because these are things the doc wants help with and will generate more revenue. Problem is you'll also have to take call which can suck.

You should make good money in the long run if you play your cards right and hook up with a CV surgeon. I've known some to break significantly past the six figure mark. But, they work like dogs, too.