Loved the OR...best career options?

[bakingem]

I would love some advice or suggestions from those of you who know far more than I do about the medical field! I'm currently an attorney, but working on prerequisites to go to nursing school. A friend arranged for me to observe several surgeries recently. Other than the birth of my kids, it was the coolest thing I've ever seen. I love the whole experience: seeing everyone work as a well-oiled team even when complications arose, watching the CRNA or anesthesiologist (I was with both at different times) monitor everything, give meds, and handle ventilation, watching the detailed work of the surgeon and assistant, seeing the actual procedure and anatomy (I could not take my eyes away--so fascinating!). I was there for about 1/2 a day and for the rest of the day, I was on such a high. I know it's cheesy to say, but I just felt like I found my place in the world. I can't stop thinking about the next time I can be in the OR and I've never been this excited about any career prospect.

With that in mind, I'm struggling with what the best way is to get there and the best job within that world for me. Since I decided to pursue a career in medicine, my plan has been to finish the science prereqs I need, do an accelerated BSN program (1 year), work for a couple years and then start some kind of advanced practice program, probably FNP or CRNA. It will take me about 8 years from now to finish a CRNA program (and about a year less for FNP). The closest PA program is a few hours away and it's my understanding that in our area it's a little harder to find PA jobs (not 100% sure about that in the hospitals here, but I've heard from a PA friend here that in the clinical setting that NPs are far more sought after). If I were younger (almost 34 now), I would consider med school, but that's a solid 8 years after prereqs before I could be practicing and I think it would be too hard on my family and cost too much money.

So, what are some of the best options for someone who fell in love with the OR and the quickest paths to get there?

[offlabel]

Sounds like you're on the right path so far. Only one year for an accelerated BSN, clinicals and all? Wow...that is accelerated. If anesthesia is you advanced practice choice, make a direct line to an adult ICU as soon as possible. Not all ICU's are the same, so the sicker the patients the better. Absolute minimum time there should be 2 years for good success in anesthesia training.

Barring some anomalous fluke, your being a practicing attorney confirms your having the academic chops to excel in you training. Any program worth their chops will see that, so you'll have an advantage there. Pick the best training program possible so that you'll have more options open to you when you finish. The more desirable jobs/employers tend to look for that.

Best of luck...feel free to PM with more questions.

[bakingem]

Sounds like you're on the right path so far. Only one year for an accelerated BSN, clinicals and all? Wow...that is accelerated. If anesthesia is you advanced practice choice, make a direct line to an adult ICU as soon as possible. Not all ICU's are the same, so the sicker the patients the better. Absolute minimum time there should be 2 years for good success in anesthesia training.

Barring some anomalous fluke, your being a practicing attorney confirms your having the academic chops to excel in you training. Any program worth their chops will see that, so you'll have an advantage there. Pick the best training program possible so that you'll have more options open to you when you finish. The more desirable jobs/employers tend to look for that.

Best of luck...feel free to PM with more questions.

Thanks for the reply; that's good feedback The accelerated BSN is specifically a second degree program, so it cuts out all the first couple years of a bachelor's and you have to take all your science courses, including things like patho, micro, nutrition, etc. prior to admission. Then they reeeeaaaallly throw you into the middle of it for 12 months of nursing classes (all online) and clinicals. I think it will be an intense year to say the least, but at least it will get me into actual nursing sooner and the program is really respected here with hiring virtually guaranteed as long as you don't screw school up and want to stay in the area. At least that's what some former and current students have told me. Fingers crossed, I get it and can roll with the punches for a year.

You're the second person that has told me to try to make a beeline to the ICU; I'm definitely keeping that in mind. I know people have varying opinions on this, but what are your thoughts on whether you should work in another area before ICU or go straight there (assuming I could get hired as a new grad)?

[offlabel]

Well, here's the deal...I've always said that if a runny nosed 25 year old surgical resident can take out my grandma's appendix, a motivated new grad nurse can certainly be very successful in the ICU. I did it.

Oh, BTW, don't lie about it, but I'd advise not volunteering the fact that you already have a plan to move on to advanced practice. ICU managers might feel a little 'snake bit' by those who've come before you.