Should I become an NP?

[Reaz, BSN]

I have only been a nurse on the floor for about 2 months now, however bedside isn't where I want to stay. I want to go to the OR after 6 months since I love the OR. However, I want to advance my degree at some point. I want to be in the OR as an NP with RNFA or PA.

The reason I am scared to go the NP route is because I hear a LOT of people saying that NP school does not prepare them enough, which I can understand because it can be taken online and part-time. I have read many people feel "utterly underprepared" after graduation, or that there is a clear difference between an NP and PA as a new grad because the NP has no clue what they are doing... idk if this is the case, but it scares me especially because I will only have 6 months floor experience and the rest OR (not much traditional nursing skill utilized there). I am also not willing to work on the floor for 5+ years to gain more experience just so I dont feel like an idiot after NP school.. I would rather spend the time going to PA school. However, I feel like someone that is already a nurse, it would be the logical route to go NP and have more "rights" per say. However, you know my concerns.

Also, I do want to go into the OR like I said, and I hear many times that PAs are only hired by surgeons with a small exception. SO this also has me leaning towards PA. BUT, I just do not want to be restricted my whole career as a PA when NPs have more opportunity with a little bit more autonomy...

Last thing- own more drawback about NP is that I would have to pick ACNP or FNP, in which hospitals around me/ORs require ACNP, but what if I want to work in a clinic/plastics down the line... I can't? or have to take more schooling?

Can someone help me out and share their experience with NP schooling and how they felt after? Also, anyone in the OR as a NP?

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

I suggest you get into the OR as an RN first to make sure this is what you really want to do. RNFA is a great job with excellent pay, as well, and you may be happy in that role for the remainder of your career. If you really want to be in the OR, PA would be a better choice. Also consider CRNA. Good luck.

[fsuao2006]

I agree in that you need to work in the OR for AT LEAST a year before making major financial/career decisions based on something you haven't experienced. I started out working in ER and thought I wanted to be a trauma NP.. fast forward to 4 years in the ER and I couldn't get out fast enough. I am going back for my NP but have desires to work in a different unit. Anyway, if your heart is set in the OR then RNFA is the way to go. NP's just don't have the gross anatomy/hard science background that surgeons want in that setting. Going through NP school there also aren't clinicals that will let you do hours in an OR (correct me if I'm wrong) as they want you to be shadowing mostly other NP's or PA's. Most hospitals have transition programs into the OR. Look into those options first!

[LNB84]

Hello Reaz,

I have been in the OR for ten years. I think you have a great plan to start (I went straight to the OR after nursing school). You will need at least a year like the other replies to get "used to" the OR. It is a different animal. RNFA is a great job that makes great money. The downside (at least at my hospital) is that usually one of the RNFAs are out due to illness, personal, whatever it may be. In that case you might end up on call every other night (again, depending on where you are). The RNFAs at my facility take a LOT of call which is why they make great money. We do have one PA that works with one of the surgeon's here in the OR. I am in a smaller community, but it is not unheard of to have NPs or PAs in surgery. I was contemplating an RNFA program myself after I get my NP.

I have nine months left of my NP program. I think my program is great. Yes, some days I feel completely stupid and wonder what the hell I am doing. I felt that because I was in the OR I would not do as well, but that is not the case. A lot of people share the same fears. It is like nursing school; it is not that the concepts are hard....it is just what you put into it. I have heard and spoken with plenty of NPs and PAs. They ALL felt this way in their programs.

My preceptors each semester have told me I will make a great NP and are impressed with my knowledge base, so not that I am feeling cocky, but I would not believe the hype about being "underprepared." It is a huge change. You are now diagnosing and doling out orders rather than following them. You could KILL someone. Of course that is scary! I kind of thought the same thing about NP versus PA..."well I am already a nurse so I may as well go NP." I think either would be fine but that's all up to you. Seems like you already know that hospitals in your area accept ACNP over FNP so I don't really feel like you will be missing out by going ACNP route. That does not matter where I am.

I have really enjoyed my NP program and am learning a lot. It is doable. I am not a type A personality (no offense if you are) and I have not always been an A student. I really worked my a$$ off this semester and pulled two As. It has definitely been challenging but I want to be the best I can be to provide solid care. Once clinicals started, I went per diem at work which really helped. If you can swing that or not working at all I would highly recommend that. If you are really passionate about the OR give it a little time. If you want to be an NP in surgery, you will be able to make it happen.

Good luck!