somethingwitty

Thanks for all the comments so far. Acute care is my passion, I don't really see myself out of the hospital setting. Knowing that it is possible for NPs to be able to perform some of these procedures is encouraging. Would love to hear from some aprn's that are doing these things. What type of hospitals are you working in? Did you learn in school/clinical rotatiotions or not until you were on the job? Thanks everyone

Would like some direction to go in when choosing a APRN degree and jobs. So currently I work in an Level 1 Trauma ER that is a teaching hospital, but am considering going back to school for my APRN. My main question is what direction should I go in if I really want to be able to do more procedures? I love and am good at working with my hands: IV's, NG's, Foley's are the highlight of my work day. Being at a teaching hospital there are tons of residents floating around who seem to get to do all the procedures while the NP's seem to deal more with minor illnesses and maybe some suturing here and there. I know this might be different at hospitals with less MD's floating around. I am not necessarily set on staying in the ER or in a teaching hospital. What degrees and specialties will allow me to do more hands on procedures? I would love to do art lines, central lines, chest tubes etc. I have also considered doing NP and getting my First Assist, but it seems like it is a very narrow job market. Have considered getting ICU experience and going for CRNA, but tend to see myself getting a bit bored in that role. I know that some people will say go for my PA and I haven't completely ruled it out, but I would prefer not to have to go back and fulfill undergrad science courses to meet PA program prereqs. Thanks in advance for your experiences and recommendations!