Periop RN to AG Acute Care NP/RNFA

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Specializes in CNOR.

Hi all. The title explains my career goals. I’m curious if anyone has some insight for me.

I’ve been a Periop RN for 5 yrs mostly circulating with some scrubbing. Absolutely love it. I went directly into a CVOR as a fresh new grad so I’ve never done anything besides OR/preop/pacu. After a couple years CVOR I commissioned into the military and learned at least 13 other surgical specialties. I’ve first-assisted on a few cases here and there. So now that my service is ending, I’m wanting to get my DNP in AG Acute Care as well as my RNFA. I know you can get an RNFA without a DNP but I’d like to be more involved with the patients whole care and not just in theater.

My Issue: I’ve been told by a few ppl there is no way I’ll get accepted to an AGACNP program without ICU/ED experience. This didn’t sound right so I wanted to gather other’s input as well. I have my CNOR and TNCC certifications as well as Tactical Combat Casualty Care. I have a 3.8 undergrad GPA. The school I applied to says they only require 1 yr nursing exp with no specific specialty listed. I haven’t heard back yet so I’m probably just overthinking and getting nervous.

Has anyone heard of people getting in without specific ICU/ED experience? Do I have a shot? Thanks for any input and sorry for the rambling!

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I’m not sure why people are telling you that. I’ve been in the OR 10 years and just graduated from Indiana State with my MSN and passed AANP for my FNP exam. Any school would be lucky to have you.

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Specializes in CNOR.

@LNB84

Thank you for the supportive words. Turns out it was definitely just unfounded worrying. Got my acceptance to Acute care a couple days ago!

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Specializes in ICU.
On 5/22/2020 at 8:31 AM, LNB84 said:

I’m not sure why people are telling you that. I’ve been in the OR 10 years and just graduated from Indiana State with my MSN and passed AANP for my FNP exam. Any school would be lucky to have you.

People are saying that because it’s a general requirement for a lot of Acute Care NP programs. But congratulations on your acceptance!

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.

Look into UAB's MSN AGACNP with RNFA program. You'll need to finish your BSN. However, acceptance requires letters of recommendation and experience in OR. You can definitely get the letters and already have the minimum required 2 years experience.

You can e-mail the track coordinator to find out if they have a bridge program to finish your BSN: [email protected]

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Specializes in Case Management.
On 5/5/2020 at 5:21 AM, LovelyElly said:

Hi all. The title explains my career goals. I’m curious if anyone has some insight for me.

I’ve been a Periop RN for 5 yrs mostly circulating with some scrubbing. Absolutely love it. I went directly into a CVOR as a fresh new grad so I’ve never done anything besides OR/preop/pacu. After a couple years CVOR I commissioned into the military and learned at least 13 other surgical specialties. I’ve first-assisted on a few cases here and there. So now that my service is ending, I’m wanting to get my DNP in AG Acute Care as well as my RNFA. I know you can get an RNFA without a DNP but I’d like to be more involved with the patients whole care and not just in theater.

My Issue: I’ve been told by a few ppl there is no way I’ll get accepted to an AGACNP program without ICU/ED experience. This didn’t sound right so I wanted to gather other’s input as well. I have my CNOR and TNCC certifications as well as Tactical Combat Casualty Care. I have a 3.8 undergrad GPA. The school I applied to says they only require 1 yr nursing exp with no specific specialty listed. I haven’t heard back yet so I’m probably just overthinking and getting nervous.

Has anyone heard of people getting in without specific ICU/ED experience? Do I have a shot? Thanks for any input and sorry for the rambling!

May I ask which program you got into? CONGRATS BTW ?

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Specializes in Operating Room, CNOR.
On 5/5/2020 at 8:21 AM, LovelyElly said:

Hi all. The title explains my career goals. I’m curious if anyone has some insight for me.

I’ve been a Periop RN for 5 yrs mostly circulating with some scrubbing. Absolutely love it. I went directly into a CVOR as a fresh new grad so I’ve never done anything besides OR/preop/pacu. After a couple years CVOR I commissioned into the military and learned at least 13 other surgical specialties. I’ve first-assisted on a few cases here and there. So now that my service is ending, I’m wanting to get my DNP in AG Acute Care as well as my RNFA. I know you can get an RNFA without a DNP but I’d like to be more involved with the patients whole care and not just in theater.

My Issue: I’ve been told by a few ppl there is no way I’ll get accepted to an AGACNP program without ICU/ED experience. This didn’t sound right so I wanted to gather other’s input as well. I have my CNOR and TNCC certifications as well as Tactical Combat Casualty Care. I have a 3.8 undergrad GPA. The school I applied to says they only require 1 yr nursing exp with no specific specialty listed. I haven’t heard back yet so I’m probably just overthinking and getting nervous.

Has anyone heard of people getting in without specific ICU/ED experience? Do I have a shot? Thanks for any input and sorry for the rambling!

Hi! @LovelyElly hope all is well! Glad to have stumbled upon your post! Your experience and future plans are VERY similar to mine! May I ask what program(s) you applied to & got accepted to? Were you able to get into an ACNP program?

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