Ophthalmology NP

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Hello all,

I am graduating this May with an FNP and have been offered a position working in a ophthalmology clinic. It seems completely outside of my scope of practice. I haven't had any clinical hours or much didactic time learning about eye disorders other than the general conditions. The ophthalmologist is willing to train me for at least 6 months and whatever training is needed to be a skilled ophthalmology NP. I have heard though that on the job training doesn't count.

I would love to take the position but how can I make sure I am covered from a legal aspect? What does an NP have to do if they want to specialize in something and they have no educational experience? CME's? Certifications? I am not sure where to start! If anyone has experience with going into a specialty please give me some advice.

Thank you in advance,

Jelena

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That would be a cool job. It is certainly within your scope of practice. It seems, from your post, you would be trained by a board certified opthalmologist. I wouldn't pass that up.

More than anything else, you have to search within yourself to know if you can do this.

Check this article in Opthalmology Management, 2012.

PAs and NPs Can Help Your Practice

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Thank you for the positive feedback. I forgot to mention the job is in New Mexico. Here is the BON scope of practice link: http://nmbon.sks.com/uploads/files/NPA.pdf It clearly states :

B. Certified nurse practitioners may:

(1) perform an advanced practice that is beyond the scope of practice of professional registered

nursing;

I think I should still call the BON to make sure I am okay from the legal stand point. From what the ophthalmologist is saying so far I would be starting from scratch and orientation will be at least 6 months. That's why I am worried it is completely out of scope but NM seems like one of the most liberal states with NP laws.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I am pretty stoked about the opportunity!

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Specializes in Surgery.

Sounds like a great opportunity. Yes, call the BON, I did the same thing. You're an FNP though so I couldn't think why optho would be out of your scope, especially if you're going to be trained for 6 months..

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I have recently joined All Nurses and reviewed your post. I have been working as a nurse(with a BSN degree) in Ophthalmology with 2 retinal surgeons in the clinical setting for the last 9 years. I love it!! I would like to know where you are now and what additional education you have? Thanks.

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It is within our scope just as any other specialty is. They will probably have you do a lot of the non surgical stuff such as slit lamps, FB removal, management of glaucoma, moderately complex medical eye problem management, and follow ups for patients seen in ERs and primary care clinics.

There is actually a lot of stuff that is non-surgical in ophthalmology. A lot of providers do not feel very comfortable with eye complaints past conjunctivitis, and send people to optho follow ups for second opinions to rule out stuff like iritis, keratitis, etc.

Sounds like a good opportunity if you can see yourself (no pun intended) working in an eye clinic for a long time.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Hi Retina nurse,

that's great to hear there are NPs in ophthalmology. Ophthalmology actually didn't work out for me. In the end I accepted a job working for a spine surgeon. In clinic and OR. í ½í¸„I am really enjoying working in a specialty.

J

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hello! I am in school to be an FNP and I would love to hear about your experience in ophthalmology as an FNP!

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Hi! Iam in an FNP program as well. I graduate in May 2020. I actually work as a circulator in a center that specializes in ophthalmology. The surgeons I work with would like me to continue once I graduate but work in their practice as opposed to the OR, I live and work in NY and can not find any information in regards to NP's in Ophthalmology. Did you find out any information? I am also studying to become certified as an Ophthalmic Nurse CRNO. I am a member of the ASORN but can not find much information about the role of an NP in Ophthalmology.

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Specializes in Trauma and Acute Care Surgery.
Hello all,

I am graduating this May with an FNP and have been offered a position working in a ophthalmology clinic. It seems completely outside of my scope of practice. I haven't had any clinical hours or much didactic time learning about eye disorders other than the general conditions. The ophthalmologist is willing to train me for at least 6 months and whatever training is needed to be a skilled ophthalmology NP. I have heard though that on the job training doesn't count.

I would love to take the position but how can I make sure I am covered from a legal aspect? What does an NP have to do if they want to specialize in something and they have no educational experience? CME's? Certifications? I am not sure where to start! If anyone has experience with going into a specialty please give me some advice.

Thank you in advance,

Jelena

Hello @Vikichck ,

I stumbled upon your post and was wondering how everything went? Did you ever join that Opthalmology practice?

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Specializes in Ophthalmology NP.

Try applying to VA Medical Centers, they are seeking NP for Ophthalmology Department.

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