NP's in the OR?

[mp86]

Hello everybody,

I am very interested in becoming an OR nurse, since it is very fascinating in my opinion. The thing is, I am also interested in getting my MSN, NP someday, but are those even needed or used in the OR?

Are there NP's in the OR that function like a PA? If yes, what kind of NP's?

Also how common are RNFA's in California, it seems like they are very rare since I hardly see any job postings.

Thank you in advance for your help.

[mhy12784]

NPs can be first assists.

I dont know how the job prospects/opportunities are though. Since

MDs, DOs, residents, PAs, NPs, and RNFAs can all be first assists So theres going to be plenty of competition for those positions. Though id imagine having experience, networking, and a good reputation can take you there.

Others might have a better idea than me how these job prospects are though

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

We used to have a couple NPs in the first assist role, but as they've moved on, they've been replaced with PAs. All of these NPs were employed by the surgeon groups and not by the hospital itself. Most of the groups that still have NPs will use them to round on patients or see patients in the office. This is going to vary greatly from facility to facility. Teaching hospitals are most likely going to have residents in the assist role rather than an NP or PA. Couldn't tell you anything about California.

[RobtheORNurse]

All of the NP's that work in our ORs are employed by the surgeons and function as first assists. Our facility requires them to go through the RNFA course before they can go into the OR.