Hi there! I have always perused this site, but I decided to make an account due to really needing some help.
So I am a pre-nursing student hoping to begin nursing school in a year, and I am very interested in perioperative nursing. I know I am thinking about all of this pretty early on, but I would like to take things into consideration as it will help me determine any other pre-reqs I need to take. I would really like to further my education beyond just the typical BSN degree, and I love the idea of being the "right hand man" during surgical procedures. I've looked into being a PA, NP, and RNFA, and basically this is what I have found.
PA: Of course I would focus on surgical, and I've heard that this route is the most qualified when helping in surgery. Outside of my typical prerequisites, I would need to take chemistry I and II (surprisingly my school does not require this), O-chem, and intro psychology. I have the time left to do this before I begin nursing school, but if another path is right for me, I'd rather not waste the time and money on these courses... nor all the stress that comes with O-chem.
NP: If I understand correctly, one can be an NP and a certified first assist, but I mostly have questions here... What is the difference between a PA specified in surgery and an NP specified in surgery? Is there one? How does an NP specialize in surgery? Has anyone met an NP that is a first assist, or do you mostly see PAs in that position? I would love any other information anybody may have on NPs in the OR.
RNFA: I've pretty much heard this is the worst of the three. Less job opportunities because people will hire a PA/NP over them... but I still wanted to include it. I know pretty much what it takes to get certified and all that, and I was wondering how practical it would be.
I've googled to my max, and I figured talking to others with experience would be the best way to find a proper direction. I am hoping to find the right path to lead to the outcome I am desiring. Please no "Just go to medical school!" because that is not the direction I would like to take! Thank you, any comments will help greatly! :)
Hi, I'm a CVOR nurse. We always ONLY used RNFA's on my unit until very recently when we hired a PA. Surgeons are particular people and may be predisposed to having an RNFA or a PA by their side. I'm sure you'll also have to take the particular hospital and area into consideration to see what is the most "usual" thing in your area or hospitals that you'd want to work for. I'm starting an FNP program this fall and although I am planning to work in an urgent care or pediatric practice, I am also wondering what my OR options might be. Even if you did go the PA route, the surgeon that hires you is going to have to train you to help him the way he wants to be helped. I would suggest doing some OR nursing so that you are intimately familiar with the OR--sterility, instruments, AORN standards, scrubbing, and circulating. Interesting thread, thanks.
Thank you for posting. I am in the process of applying to NIFA for RNFA. I have BSN with CNOR in California. My question is, am i able to to perform post-op orders and do post-op rounds? Or you have to be APRN or NP to perform those task? Your input will be very much appreciated.
cardiac_RN
21 Posts
Hi, I'm a CVOR nurse. We always ONLY used RNFA's on my unit until very recently when we hired a PA. Surgeons are particular people and may be predisposed to having an RNFA or a PA by their side. I'm sure you'll also have to take the particular hospital and area into consideration to see what is the most "usual" thing in your area or hospitals that you'd want to work for. I'm starting an FNP program this fall and although I am planning to work in an urgent care or pediatric practice, I am also wondering what my OR options might be. Even if you did go the PA route, the surgeon that hires you is going to have to train you to help him the way he wants to be helped. I would suggest doing some OR nursing so that you are intimately familiar with the OR--sterility, instruments, AORN standards, scrubbing, and circulating. Interesting thread, thanks.