What kind of NP would this be?

[imastudent]

Hello. I need help deciding which path I should take. I want to work in the med/surg or the ER and was wondering what kind of NPs are needed there. ACNP? Cardiology NP? Is there such a thing as a First Assistant Surgery NP?

Also, does working as a NP who specializes in surgery worth it in means of salary when in a high level stress and overworked (not sure if this is true) environment such as the med/surg and ER?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[LaurieCRNP2002, MSN, RN, APRN]

Imastudent

If you want to work in med/surg, your best bet is to try to get a job with a physician's practice who are looking for an NP to do hospital rounds. You could also try to get a job as a hospital-based NP. In general, specialty practices tend to pay higher salaries vs hospitals that hire NP's (there's always exceptions, though). I truthfully couldn't tell you if a surgical practice pays higher than a medical practice--I would guess every geographic area is different. Either way, if there is a school near you that offers an acute care program, this would be your best bet if you want to work with hospital inpatients.

If you want to work in the ER, from what I've heard, it's better to go through a family nurse practitioner program (FNP). You would be exposed to working with both adults and children, and you could probably arrange to do clinical time in the ER (if there are any in your area that hire NP's).

Good luck to you and feel free to IM me if you have any other questions

Laurie

Hello. I need help deciding which path I should take. I want to work in the med/surg or the ER and was wondering what kind of NPs are needed there. ACNP? Cardiology NP? Is there such a thing as a First Assistant Surgery NP?

Also, does working as a NP who specializes in surgery worth it in means of salary when in a high level stress and overworked (not sure if this is true) environment such as the med/surg and ER?

Thanks in advance for your input!

[HealthyRN]

There is no such thing as a First Assistant Surgery NP. However, there is a Registered Nurse First Assistant, which is an operating room nurse that has received additional training. I have also heard that FNP is a good route to go if you are planning on working in the ER. What year of school are you in? I suggest waiting until you have had some exposure to both areas before deciding on a career path. Med/surg and the ER are very different places and both involve some degree of stress (as do all areas of nursing!). Good luck in your decision!