NP with only OR experience

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Hello

I am contemplating going back to school for FNP. After graduating in 2009 I went straight into a OR program at large teaching hospital and have worked their ever since. At the time I was limited to my job options and now I want to pursue NP. In your experience, do you think I could be successful? I am a good student and am motivated, but am concerned I won't be competitive when looking for a job. Do employers consider your previous experience? I currently have a BSN.

What are your thoughts and experiences?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to pre NP forum for more answers. Good luck.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I once worked with an RN who continued working in the OR while getting her NP. She started out her practice as a first assist to some of the ortho surgeons. Not sure where she went after that.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I don't think the OR experience is going to hold you back. A lot of students come from non med-surg backgrounds, and do just fine. I have cohorts who were school nurses, worked in public health, ltc, whatever. There is great debate as to how much RN experience is needed and how much it helps. Program requirements vary from as little as no experience (direct entry and many others) to as much as two or more years.

I cannot speak for most employers, or those around you, but the employers in my community do not care about your previous RN experience when evaluating the applicants for FNP clinical positions. I will say, that one of the things that is more likely to influence you getting an interview and possibly a job is building a network of practitioners. Not only will it help you if you have established a personal relationship with practitioners in some of the offices around your town, but it will also help you tremendously when you start looking for sites and preceptors for your final phase of your education.

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Specializes in Peds OR as RN, Peds ENT as NP.

Go for it! I am an OR nurse currently in PNP program. It will not hold you back. You bring something special to the table. Who knows where I will end up when I am done.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Love this post! I work in the OR and looking at NP programs....my head is spinning. :bluecry1:

I don't have the experience for ACNP and have no desire to work with kids, except for mission trips. So, AGNP for me? I would love to see pts pre, intra, and post - op.

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