Np working in surgery

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I am curious about working in the surgical field. I am an FNP, and as an RN have no experience in the OR. Are there courses that one can take to become trained in the surgical setting as an FNP? or am I doomed because I will never be able to get my 2000 hours to become RNFA?

Thanks for your help!

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Specializes in ..

NP practice in surgery is not the same as RN. CMS allows NP's to assist in surgery. CNOR or RNF is not required by them but may be required by the facility for credentialing.

NIFA has a program for NP's w/o surgical RN experience to gain First Assist skills and cert. This program is somewhat expensive, but appears to be solid.

There are numerous college post-master's cert programs that offer the same (cheaper) but require more time.

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I have just started the NIFA first assist training. I am a recent FNP graduate and was lucky enough to get on with a cardiothoracic surgery group that was interested in sending me. I have no prior OR experience as a nurse. My background is in ICU.

From what I've learned, NPs aren't actually "required" to have any type of FA certification or training in order to first assist and bill in the OR. However, good luck finding a hospital that will give you surgical privileges without it!

Like bsnanat2 mentioned.. the good news is that you don't need any OR experience to start the NIFA training as a NP. FYI: The financial outlook for the triple threat NP (OR, inpatient, clinic) is extremely good!

Wish you the best!

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I am studying for the NIFA RNFA program and will be doing the live course next August so that I can one day work in the OR as a first assist. As a RN I wanted to work in the OR but wound up specializing in the neurosciences by chance. As a NP there is no OR experience requirement for NIFA but there is a class that is required for NPs at the live course to discuss OR practices. Personally, I think the outlook is good for NPs to work in the OR as long as your state recognizes the practice and has guidelines. Like CTS NP mentioned, the triple threat of NP with all that experience behind you will make you favorable for future employers.

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I remember reading an article from the UK about created Surgical NPs as a stand alone profession. Probably wont help you but might be worth a google.

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NP practice in surgery is not the same as RN. CMS allows NP's to assist in surgery. CNOR or RNF is not required by them but may be required by the facility for credentialing.

NIFA has a program for NP's w/o surgical RN experience to gain First Assist skills and cert. This program is somewhat expensive, but appears to be solid.

There are numerous college post-master's cert programs that offer the same (cheaper) but require more time.

Out of curiosity I did a search for post-master's certification programs and didn't come across any. Could you mention a few?

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Specializes in cardiac (CCU/Heart Transplant, cath lab).

Goofeegirl,

This link to UAB's RNFA may be an example of what you are looking for.

One of the prereqs if you do not have previous OR experience is a MSN degree: http://www.uab.edu/nursing/images/stories/info_sa/msn_flyer_rn_first_assist_post_baccalaureate.pdf

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Goofeegirl,

This link to UAB's RNFA may be an example of what you are looking for.

One of the prereqs if you do not have previous OR experience is a MSN degree: http://www.uab.edu/nursing/images/stories/info_sa/msn_flyer_rn_first_assist_post_baccalaureate.pdf

Thanks! I might look into this if NIFA doesn't work out. NIFA is a very expensive program that isn't approved for student loans. This UAB program looks like something I could pursue.

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