Surgical NPs, how did you become?

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Hello dear Nurse Practitioners, I come in humbleness to seek for some career advices and inputs from those who already have achieved greatly in life.

I am a RN, BSN, and I considered for sometime what I really want to do in life. I feel that the world has given me a lot, so I would feel pleased to give back some to it. I have a vision to help kids and men and women of third world countries, and I believe developing my career as a surgical Nurse Practitioner with RNFA would be very fitting to this vision. I would like to assist surgeons with surgeries, hopefully do minor procedures within scope of practice, consultations, and many other roles, and eventually be well qualified person to be able to help others through my specialities (again, within my scope).

I am relatively new RN, and I don't have the clear picture of what steps need to be taken to become a surgical Nurse Practitioner, and I know that some of you know those steps through your own achievements. If you can give me any inputs regarding how you became surgical NP, or know someone who has done it, I am very glad to read your words. Thank you and have wonderful day!

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Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

There is no surgical nurse practitioner, per se. The vast majority of NPs in the OR are family. The reason is that they can see all ages.

You do not have to be an RNFA to be a NP in surgery. There are a couple states that have a ridiculous requirement for that but any practitioner knows that is not needed. You do not need RNFA to bill for your services. You can bill first assist as an NP.

The key is finding a surgeon willing to take you on and train you. NP or PA will need extensive OJT as a first assist. RNFA could give you a kick start with some training though.

You can do the same office procedures or ER procedures as our physician counterparts. You do not need to be a surgical NP to I&D, remove various growths, place a chest tube etc. You just need to have documented education and training.

Good luck in your future.

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@nomadcrna thank you for the input, I appreciate it. Since I am into emergency nursing, I was more headed towards ACNP, but if what I want to do eventually requires FNP, then by all means I will go for that (although I am not sure to have read any post from an ACNP in OR).

You mentioned about finding the surgeon willing to "take the np under his/her wing." I wonder how this process actually happens; would I need to contact one post graduation, or pre, or be hired into a surgeon group or private practice surgeon. Whatever the process that is, sounds like could be a challenge. Regardless, thank you for your help, and I will look forward to reading from this thread. Thank you.

PS: I live in TX.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

You just need to find a surgeon that is hiring and willing to take on and train a NP.

For ER, I would recommend FNP. You can do solo ER coverage and you can also see kids which the ACNP can't. If you want to do critical care, ICU/CCU stuff. You would want the ACNP for sure. With the consensus model. FNPs might become extinct in the ICUs.

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oh okay gotcha. I am not really an ICU kind of person, although no doubt it is an excellent gig for learning and etcetra.

Again, thanks.

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

I had a collegue in cardiology, she was an FNP, that when to work for a surgical service. No previous experience. How good a talker are you? Talk your way into a position.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

The only surgical NP I know is a FNP/ONP like myself, who was a RNFA earlier in his career. He now works in neurosurgery, opening and closing, mostly laminectomies I believe. IIWY, I would start looking at websites of surgical practices in your state and find one with NPs on staff. Contact them and ask them how they got there. I have gotten a few "cold calls" from NP students who have seen my credentials on the web and wanted information on how to become an orthopedic NP. I don't mind, and I doubt anyone you reached would mind either.

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@nursetim I am pretty good talker in my opinion. But that's as far as interview for RN position, for which the interview questions are pretty simple. I am not too sure exactly how I would need to appeal if I am speaking to a surgeon for him/her to take me under the wing. Oh well, I guess I have to think about getting accepted to NP program first.

@BlueDevil Thank you for that input! I never really thought about giving busy NPs a call and ask them about that, as I am easily intimidated by authority figures such as NPs, MDs, PAs, etc lol. I do hear that most of NPs working in surgery related areas are FNPs and thus, I am strongly geared towards FNP program.

The next step from here would be this. I need to find a program where I can work full time (36/week) so that hospital can give me tuition reimbursement and hefty amt of scholarship. Do you believe that one can work full time doing online program only or possibly hybrid program (offered at alma mater UT Tyler, TX)? I really do need to work that full time for $ reimbursement.

Thank you so much for your help and advices!

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

FWIW, I'd email them if possible, allowing them to respond when they have an opportunity to do so thoughtfully. I know if you catch me at the wrong time, I might just say "I don't have time for that." If I get a thoughtful, professionally worded email, I may sit on it for a week or two, knowing I will respond favorably as soon as I can take a breath.

So, consider calling the office, asking for the NPs Nurse or MA and requesting his or her email address to end such a request. Failing that, leave a message. Don't be surprised if they don't stop seeing patients in the middle of the day to take your call. You could also ask if there is a good time to call, such as "admin hours" when they aren't seeing patients. IF you can't get through that way, snail mail. Worst case, they don't answer.

Right after the first of the year is a good time. till "holiday slow" without actually being a holiday.

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Specializes in public health.

After two years of rn experience join doctors without borders. Go to a few trips then evaluate life. You will learn tremendously in the field.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

Very good thread.

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Very good thread.

Agreed!

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