LuvTheOR

Check "Advance for NPs and PAs" (membership to the on-line magazine/site is free), they always have a yearly salary report by region and speciality. Another source may be the ANA or the AANP.

Hi I am looking for an online post masters program that would allow me to complete clinicals in my area. I would have no problem acquiring preceptors. I already have my FNP but would like to practice in the psych arena. Anyone have any suggestions for programs that might be out there?

I would discuss the issue with my charge nurse or unit manager. It is your duty to the patient to report your suspicions. Also if you do waste with him knowing that there is a possible diversion your license may also be in jeopardy. If he is using he needs help. Does your facility have an employee assistance program or does your state nursing organization have a program to assist nurses that need help with substance abuse (WI does and works with the BON so that the nurse is not penalized)? Hazelden in MN has one of the few programs for healthcare providers with substance abuse problems. They treat nurses, physicians, and other providers.

Hi I am a FNP looking to expand into advanced practice mental health nursing (mental health has been an interest of mine since nursing school). I am looking for an on-line Post-Masters certificate program or a MSN to DNP program that will allow me to sit for the PMHMP boards and do my clinicals in my area. Any advice on finding a program? Mary K

For several good articles on the role of the peri-operative APN look at Elsevier's Perioperative Nursing Clinics articles. I have also found a few in the AORN Journal. Just do a search on Ebsco. Aorn published its first statement on APRN competencies in 1994 and revised it in 2006. These articles would give you a good starting point in writing a job description for your bosses... Luv The OR

Which University are you pursuing your degree through? Is it an on-line program? I need the versatility of an on-line program with clinicals in my local area.

In our OR an inexperienced nurse gets six months. With experience, it varies nurse by nurse; but usually 2-3 months to go over all of the policies and be orientated to the different services and call.

We just upgraded to a new version of Epic and some of the OR screens were a step backwards. But I do love the ability to see the entire record prior to meeting the patient. We are going to physician order entry soon, can't wait no more deciphering their scrawl...

Go to http://www.rnfa.org/ to learn more about becoming an RN first assistant. aorn.org can also give you more info on RN first assistants. Basically you need OR experience first, then you have to have two letters of recommendation, and you can finally take the course for certification and later do an internship under a surgeon A lot of work for a certification that may not net you very much in return...

Epic...

I agree, you either love the OR or hate it. A job shadow can give you a small taste of what the OR is like. I find that most of the people working in the OR have strong personalities. You have to have a strong personality to tell a surgeon that you disagree with them when you are advocating for a patient and have to stick to your guns. Give it a try, you can always transfer to another unit if you do not like it...

I am currently working in a Magnet facility and we have a great deal of input into how we want to practice as staff nurses. But there is currently a gap in education and in best practices. An APN in the OR would be able to institute best practices as dictated by AORN and other groups. I could also further the use of evidence based practices in clinical decision making. I would work with staff regarding education and the promotion of specialty certification, CNOR in this case. An APN is also a great resource for those multi-doctor, horrendous, everything but the kitchen sink cases. Our facility is also a level II trauma center and we need work on our response time for traumas. We have many new RNs that do not have the experience of some of our more seasoned adrenalin junkie staff that think on the fly. It is best for all involved to do mock scenarios rather than just throw them under the bus... I can think of so many things that would be beneficial it is difficult to list them all here. My employer is working on creating a position for a APN to fill these needs; in this economy it may take several years to gain approval so the timing is right.

Thanks, I appreciate the extra set of eyes. Luv The OR

Called AORN they have no idea of any programs. Still searching, will keep you updated. Luv The OR

I have worked for a physician as a first assistant. The first surgeon, a neurosurgeon, that I worked for was a sweetheart and I worked for him until he died of CA. I then worked for a general surgeon for two years and he was an ***. I do not want to go that route again. I want to work directly for the hospital. I would collaborate with our unit's educator, do quality assurance, and work with putting evidence based practices into use in the OR.