RN to BSN or RNFA?

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Hey y'all!

I'm trying to decide whether I should get my BSN (I have an associates in nursing and have been working in the OR for about two years now) or go for my RNFA. We need RNFAs in our OR and of course there is a slight raise. The hospital will pay for the RNFA school with a two year contract. Our hospital will also pay for part of a BSN with another contract (not sure of the details there) and I believe a small raise. I LOVE working in the OR and I don't plan on leaving any time soon. So. Anyone have any advise for me?

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I would look at the job market for RNFA in your area. Your hospital needs one now but about when you will finish school? Are you there several RNFA positions in your hospital meaning that there will likely be opportunities then? Do other local hospitals hire RNFAs? I ask this because I also really wanted RNFA as well, but found that in my area there are very few opportunities if any. Also, if there ever is an opportunity, they only pay RNFA pay when you are actually needed to assist, not all the time.

So basically, if you really want to first assist, go for it but realize positions may be very limited. A BSN will open more doors as far as moving up the ladder. I also love the OR and don't plan on leaving either, so I chose the Education MSN route with hopes of becoming an OR educator.

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

You need your BSN to become a RNFA

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