What can I do with a Master's degree in the OR?

[kcdeezy, BSN, RN]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newly minted nurse, having passed my boards a few weeks ago. I've worked as a secretary in the Operating Room of a major trauma center in Southern California for the past three years, and I've come to love the idea of pursuing a career in OR nursing.

My question for you all is this: what can one do with a Master's degree in the OR setting? If I recall correctly, an RNFA's scope of practice allows him/her to perform relatively complex procedures such as cutting and suturing tissue, yet they are not required to hold an advanced degree. What additional duties and responsibilities, if any, could an OR nurse be given if he/she were to possess a Master's degree, or were a Nurse Practitioner? Thank you all for your input!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

A nurse practitioner would essentially be able to perform the same duties as an RNFA in the OR, but would have the additional opportunity of providing care outside of the OR itself- rounding on patients, putting in orders, etc.

Other options for MSN paths would be as either management or educator, although it's possible that neither position would fully require an MSN depending on the facility's policy.

If you wanted another advanced clinical option, there is CRNA, although it would require ICU/critical care experience.

[kcdeezy, BSN, RN]

Thank you so much! This is exactly the answer I was looking for.