What is the appropriate career path?

[MBrickle]

In planning for my future in nursing, I have begun looking into becoming a nurse practitioner. I think I would really enjoy something in the hospital setting, and more specifically, I would enjoy surgery. I have always had an interest in neuro and cardiac and am thinking of pursuing one of those areas. Which career path makes the most sense? I am a career-change ADN with Bachelors in an unrelated field and am thinking of going for a RN-NP FNP to start. Does this sound right? What certificates and experience could help me pursue this endeavor? I currently have 2yrs of pedi homecare experience. Thank you!

[myelin]

if you want to do something surgical then I think becoming a PA makes more sense.

[VictoriaJHHRN]

PA definitely makes alot more sense, giving the fact that you have a Bachelor degree already. I think PA school is 2 years once you have a bachelor ddegree, and you can assist in surgery as a PA..

[MBrickle]

I have also considered the PA route...and I understand they can switch specialties with relative ease...I would also be afforded the ability to work in primary care if I decided to change paths. However, I've always sort of had a pipe dream of pursuing international health and PA's are not recognized worldwide in the way NP's are... I will certainly look into the PA route further. For arguments sake, what about an FNP and then post-masters certificate in acute care...anyone know what the prospects would be/what experience needed to land a job surgically-related with that and perhaps a first assist cert?