General Surgery Nurse Practitioner Career Guide

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Overview

A General Surgery Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a highly trained healthcare provider who specializes in assisting and collaborating with general surgeons in the diagnosis, treatment and management of surgical patients. These NPs play a vital role in the surgical care team, providing preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative care to a diverse range of patients who require surgical interventions.

Education

Becoming a General Surgery NP involves a rigorous educational path. Aspiring NPs typically start with a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and become registered nurses (RNs). Subsequently, they pursue advanced education by enrolling in a master's or doctoral program in nursing with a specialization in acute or surgical care. These programs usually take two to four years to

Qualifications

A stethoscope held in one hand

Related certifications

To practice as a General Surgery NP, individuals must obtain national Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) credentials through recognized certifying bodies, such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) or the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). State licensure as an NP is also mandatory. Prior experience in a surgical or acute care setting, such as working in

Skills

General Surgery NPs must possess a diverse skill set to excel in their specialty. They need a deep understanding of surgical procedures, perioperative care and the management of surgical conditions. Critical thinking and clinical judgment skills are crucial as they participate in decision-making regarding surgical interventions and patient care.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital, as General Surgery NPs collaborate

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Responsibilities

The responsibilities of a General Surgery NP encompass a broad range of tasks related to surgical patient care. They conduct thorough preoperative assessments, provide patient education and obtain informed consent. During surgery, they may assist in the operating room, ensure patient safety and manage surgical complications. Postoperatively, General Surgery NPs monitor patients' recovery, manage wound care and coordinate follow-up care.

Salary Insights

Compare your pay with the most up-to-date job market data using our comprehensive salary calculator.
General Surgery Nurse Practitioner
$2,338-4,064/week

The average salary for a General Surgery Nurse Practitioner is $3,376.48 per week.

Last updated on October 13, 2024. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.

Pros & Cons

Choosing a career as a General Surgery NP offers several advantages. One of the main benefits is the opportunity to work closely with surgeons and contribute significantly to surgical patient care. The field provides job stability and competitive compensation, with a growing demand for healthcare professionals in surgical settings.

However, there are challenges to consider. Working in general surgery can be

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General Surgery Nurse Practitioner Jobs


View job details for Level II Nurse Practitioner - General Surgery
Staff Position

Level II Nurse Practitioner - General Surgery

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Modesto, CA
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$102-121/hour

Posted 2 days ago
View job details for Nurse Practitioner - Clinic General Surgery
Staff Position

Nurse Practitioner - Clinic General Surgery

  • Capital Medical Center
  • Olympia, WA
  • 5x8 hrs, Days

$130K-177K/year

approximately $62-86/hr
View job details for Level II Nurse Practitioner - General Surgery
Staff Position

Level II Nurse Practitioner - General Surgery

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Antioch, CA
  • 3x8 hrs, Days

$102-121/hour

View job details for Level II Nurse Practitioner - General Surgery
Staff Position

Level II Nurse Practitioner - General Surgery

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Antioch, CA
  • 3x8 hrs, Days

$102-121/hour

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