OR Circulator Experience before NP?

[whaletunes]

I am interested in going back to school to do WHNP in the future. I'm currently looking for a new job and interviewed for a Gynecology OR circulator position. I am wondering if this would be a mistake if I want to do WHNP in the future? I think I will get offered the job. I think I want the job, but I don't know if it would be good experience to have before NP. I think I would lose out on skills, and I worry it would make me ill-prepared for an NP role. Any thoughts? Did anyone have OR circulator experience before going to NP school?

[prettymica, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN, APRN, NP]

I have been a circulator for the past 6 years, and I finish NP school in December.

[SaraKS_88]

Hi there,

I know this may be late but I worked med-surg 2 years and have been an OR circulator for 2.5 years.  I anticipate graduating with my FNP in 1 year.  I think the OR experience has actually been really helpful and has allowed for a better work life balance while I have been in school.   I think getting a circulator position where you are in a variety of specialties is the best.  Many surgeons in my area hire NPs and OR experience is definitely a plus when applying for these jobs.  I learned a lot as a bedside nurse but constant mandated shifts and stress made me hate going to work and there is no way I could be successful in school doing bedside.  I don't think you need to worry about losing skills as the job is temporary until you graduate.