mwithquestions

Like the original poster, I have done research on topics like abortion and other ethical dilemmas one will face in the nursing field before deciding to enter the field myself. I came across this thread, as it addressed one of the topics I have researched and am currently writing a paper on, and read through each page to see what options/advice people offered to the OP. I agree, choosing a job outside the medical field is a perfectly logical option, which I stated in my original post. Although some were truly offering helpful advice, there were others who undeniably took this to the extreme like the user quoted in my previous post. If you were the OP, you would find comments like that helpful? I certainly would not. That being said, I was not trying to dig up old dirt or berate other users by any means, just simply felt that the way some were responding to the OP's question was unnecessary and uncalled for, regardless of what year it is. And since I found a source that might be helpful, I felt compelled to share. Not trying to start a war here, just sympathized with the OP since many of us have been in his/her shoes with similar questions.

As a nursing student, I have had similar, if not the same, questions. To all of you who have criticized lookingintoRN for an honest question that regards a belief he/she obviously holds dear, shame on you and maybe you should "chill out". This person is trying to figure out whether or not they will be able to perform their job as a nurse or even pursue a career in nursing while maintaining their moral integrity. To turn this into an avenue for ugly remarks, political debates, anger at religious groups, and generalizations towards people who disagree with abortion is both counterproductive and immature. This person was asking for help, not condemning others, which is what many of you have so willingly done to lookingintoRN. Also would like to point out that just because one does not believe in abortion does not make them judgmental to a patient who chooses to have an abortion, nor does this mean that their beliefs, or as many of you called "prejudices", will get in the way of how they treat a patient on a personal level. Just because a healthcare provider may not agree with and even opt out of assisting in an abortion does not mean they treat the patient any less human. Each patient deserves equal respect. So back lookingintoRN's ACTUAL question... There are ways to avoid this. As many have already stated, choose a field in which abortion will not be an issue and choose your place of employment wisely. Here is what I found on the topic as far as what is legally required of nurses that might be helpful. This is a code of ethics published by the American Nurses Association. http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses/Code-of-Ethics.pdf

Thanks so much for your reply, it was very insightful! Especially the breakdown of schooling and cost. Right now I'm in the process of applying for nursing school (2 year program BSN/RN) and would start in the fall. So I really would like to stick with nursing at this point. I'm really just trying to get a feel for what my options are. Do you mind explaining what all an ACNP would typically do and as well as a first assist? I like surgery, but I don't want to limit myself to that only, which is why I mentioned having my own practice. Maybe it would help if I list what I like and dislike and based off that, suggest what type of nurse and NP would fit that criteria best. Like: surgery, the OR, pre-op, post-op, rounds, assisting in surgery(but not performing it on my own by any means), being in a hospital setting, kids(resilient!), interesting cases, variety, clinical work (but not clinical alone), labs/films Dislike: slow paced clinic settings I worked as a nurse tech in a pediatric clinic and it just got very boring at times. Not undermining pediatric nurses by any means, it was just very slow paced. Thank you!

Med school is not an option for me due to personal and financial issues.

Hello everyone! I have a some questions about nursing and surgery. I'm sure many people have already asked this and I have found several helpful threads, but each have different answers. This is kind of long, but please read and help me! I'm a pre-nursing student about to begging nursing school in Tennessee and eventually plan on getting my masters or doctorate to become a NP. I love surgery and would love to assist through the operation, maybe first assist? I also love pediatrics, so maybe pediatric surgery? I've been trying to do some research on how to do this and what steps I need to take in order to be in surgery. I can't seem to get a straight answer. One minute I found an article that says yes I can all that I'm wanting to do then I find another that says no. I'm not in nursing school just yet and want to make sure I'm on the right path before I start. I don't understand all the abbreviations and such sometimes used and it just gets awfully confusing. From what I've seen on some of the discussions everyone is saying to be an OR nurse first then become an NP with First Assist training. Ideal Situation: Become a nurse, work for a year or two, then go back and get my masters or doctorate. THEN I would love to work in surgery, assist through the procedure, help with pre-op and post-op. I don't want to just hand someone tools or get them dressed for surgery, I actually want to help operate. (please let me know if this is even possible or if I'm a complete idiot) So I guess my questions are... 1. Can a NP do all the things I listed above? -I shadowed a surgeon in my hometown and the nurse anesthetist working that procedure told me it is possible and a lot of it depends on the hospital and the surgeon. But she said she has a friend who works as a NP that first assists on cardio surgery. He apparently operates alongside the surgeon, does pre-op, post-op and rounds(which sounds great!). 2. What would I specialize in as an RN before getting my masters or doctorate? 3. What would I specialize in when becoming a NP? -one post suggested that specialized in Acute Care w/ a First Assist is the way to go, but read that it limits and you cannot work on children which won't work for me since I've always known I need to work with kids no matter what. Another person on here said to do Family Nurse Practitioner w/ First Assist. They said they work in neurosurgery, assist during the procedure, pre-op/pos-op, rounds, and see patients alone or with a doctor in a clinic setting and allow you to see a variety of people of all ages. 4. Do you have to be a NP to first assist? Please help me with these questions! I know it's a lot, but I don't know were to begin. If what I'm wanting to do is unachievable, please let me know because I would probably need to look into becoming a PA before I commit to nursing school. I always thought NP was the smarter route since I could have my own practice if I ever wanted to. *If you do answer, for clarity sake, can you number your answers to match the questions asked? Not to be OCD, just gets confusing reading all these other forums. Would also appreciate if no one turns this into a debate of hierarchy. Seems like a lot of these forums turn into people peeing on other's territory and getting their panties in a wad! I just need help for my future, plain and simple.*

Hey littlebelle1293, I'm a pre nursing student about to begging nursing school and eventually plan on getting my masters or doctorate to become a NP. I love surgery and would love to assist through the operation, maybe first assist? I also love pediatrics, so maybe pediatric surgery? I've been trying to do some research on how to do this and what steps I need to take in order to be in surgery. I can't seem to get a straight answer. One minute I found an article that says yes I can all that I'm wanting to do then I find another that says no. I'm not in nursing school just yet and want to make sure I'm on the right path before I start. I don't understand all the abbreviations and such sometimes used and it just gets awfully confusing. I came across your article and you seem like someone who might have some answers! Here's my ideal situation: (please let me know if this is even possible or I'm a complete idiot) Become a nurse, work for a year or two, then go back and get my masters or doctorate. THEN I would love to work in surgery, assist through the procedure, help with pre-op and post-op. I don't want to just hand someone tools or get them dressed for surgery, I actually want to help operate. So I guess my questions are… 1. Can a NP do all the things I listed above? -I shadowed a surgeon in my hometown and the nurse anesthetist working that procedure told me it is possible and a lot of it depends on the hospital and the surgeon. But she said she has a friend who works as a NP that first assists on cardio surgery. He apparently operates alongside the surgeon, does pre-op, post-op and rounds(which sounds great!). 2. What would I specialize in as an RN before getting my masters or doctorate? 3. What would I specialize in when becoming a NP? 4. Do you have to be a NP to first assist? 5. Is it possible to get the best of both worlds and become a NP with a specialty in pediatric surgery? Please help me with these questions! I know it's a lot, but I don't know were to begin. If what I'm wanting to do is unachievable, please let me know because I would probably need to look into becoming a PA before I commit to nursing school. I always thought NP was the smarter route since I could have my own practice if I ever wanted to. Your help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!