idontsave

As far as I'm aware it seems that APRNs are actually allowed to bypass the CNOR eligibility requirement that is required of RNs by RNFA programs. I too have been in love with surgery for quite some time now and I really had no idea the RNFA program existed until after I started nursing school. Following the APRN/RNFA route to act as a first assist in the OR does seem to be the road less traveled for those interested in surgery, as PA programs include formal surgical training in their curriculum, but considering that I am already this deep into nursing and that California is much more NP-friendly than PA, this career path seems like the one I should follow. Hopefully some of you that are well-informed or experienced in this field can chime in? I just want to formulate a solid plan so that I know which steps to take as a new-grad to get there. *Thinking about reposting this in the NP or Advanced Practice Nursing forum to get more replies...

This is my first post here, though I have been lurking the forums for quite some time. Decided it was about time to make an account, reach out, and break the silence. To give you guys a bit of background on myself, I am currently a student in an accelerated BSN program quickly approaching my final year and have been doing a considerable amount of research regarding different tracks I could potentially follow as a new-grad. I have known since early on as a nursing student that I want to end up assisting in surgery and also that I want to pursue an NP degree to be able to implement my medical inclination alongside my newly acquired nursing knowledge at its full potential. Luckily, I have a few connections that are almost purely in outpatient surgery and managed to acquire a position shadowing/volunteering/working-under the head circulating RN at a small, physician-owned ambulatory surgery center. I have logged roughly 65 hours as of right now. The surgeon who owns the practice has also expressed that he intends to hire me as soon as I am licensed, although I'm still not sure if he'll end up offering me a circulating or PACU position. What I want to ask you guys is what would be the best track to follow after graduating to eventually obtain a position as a Surgical NP that also functions as a first assist? I know that UAB currently offers a dual-track AGACNP/RNFA program, but it seems to be the only one of its kind. Would this be the best route to go after gaining some experience at the surgery center as an RN? Would it make a difference if I spent the interim time working in PACU or circulating? Also, considering that the surgery center is outpatient and the majority of the procedures do not require a first assist, how would you guys recommend going about finding a preceptor willing to let me obtain the hours necessary for the RNFA certification? Ideally, I would want to end up working in cardiothoracic surgery but I am willing to go into any surgical specialty necessary to acquire the proper credentials. I've also recently noticed several paid 12-month surgical fellowships/residencies offered at academic institutions for both NPs and PAs but I'm not sure if solely completing one of these residencies will allow me to work as a first assist without the RNFA credential. I live in California and am willing to move but intend to end up back here at some point if that makes a difference. Any input you guys have is appreciated. Thanks in advance and sorry for the long/detailed post! :)