How to Become a Surgical Nurse Practitioner

Duties, Responsibilities, Schooling, Requirements, Certifications, Job Outlook, and Salary

Nursing is a highly rewarding career choice, offering diverse opportunities to make a meaningful impact on patient care. With healthcare consistently ranking as one of the fastest-growing industries and accounting for six of the top 25 jobs in 2025, the demand for registered nurses comes in at number 18. One of the unique aspects of nursing is its flexibility, allowing professionals to specialize in myriad areas of interest, from pediatrics to critical care. Specializing not only broadens career opportunities but also significantly increases earning potential.

For registered nurses (RNs) seeking to advance their careers and focus on a specific field, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is often a key step. In fact, many of the top nursing jobs you can get with an MSN degree offer higher salaries and advanced responsibilities, making the investment in additional education worthwhile. In this guide, we’ll explore what it takes to become a surgical nurse practitioner, along with the duties, requirements, and benefits of this in-demand nursing specialization. You can also discover top nursing jobs you can get with an MSN degree for those interested in a full view of career opportunities with an advanced nursing degree.

Surgical Nurse Practitioner Definition

What Is a Surgical Nurse Practitioner?

A surgical nurse practitioner (SNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who works closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other members of the surgical team to provide preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. SNPs play a critical role in ensuring patient safety, managing complex cases, and improving surgical outcomes.

Surgical Nurse Practitioner: Job Description

What Does a Surgical Nurse Practitioner Do?

Surgical nurse practitioners play an indispensable role in the healthcare system, managing patient care across the entire surgical process. From conducting thorough preoperative assessments and educating patients to assisting in complex surgical procedures and providing meticulous postoperative care, their responsibilities are both diverse and critical. They act as the backbone of surgical teams, ensuring patient safety, monitoring for complications, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to deliver optimal outcomes. Advanced practice surgical nurses can further expand their scope by prescribing medications and ordering diagnostic tests, enhancing their impact on patient recovery and overall surgical success.

These nurses have a dynamic and multifaceted role, requiring a blend of technical expertise, clinical acumen, and compassionate patient care. Their daily responsibilities encompass every phase of the surgical process, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Surgical Nurse Practitioners: Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Conducting Preoperative Assessments and Patient Education: Surgical nurse practitioners  perform detailed evaluations to assess a patient’s medical history, current health status, and potential risks before surgery. They also educate patients and their families about the procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery process, addressing any concerns or questions.
• Assisting in Surgical Procedures: In the operating room, surgical nurse practitioners  play a hands-on role by assisting surgeons with various tasks. These include preparing the surgical site, handing instruments, suturing, performing wound closures, and ensuring a sterile environment to prevent infections.
• Monitoring Patients During Surgery: They are responsible for continuously monitoring a patient’s vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, during surgery. This vigilance helps identify and address any complications in real-time.
• Managing Postoperative Care: After surgery, surgical nurse practitioners  provide critical follow-up care, including pain management, wound care, and monitoring for signs of infection or complications. They work to ensure patients are comfortable and progressing as expected in their recovery.
• Collaborating with the Surgical Team: Surgical nurse practitioners  maintain open communication with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other team members to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Prescribing Medications and Ordering Diagnostic Tests: In states where regulations allow, surgical nurse practitioners  with advanced practice certifications can prescribe medications, order diagnostic imaging, and perform follow-up evaluations to support comprehensive patient care.

What Kind of Personality Traits Make a Good Surgical Nurse Practitioner?

Becoming a good surgical nurse practitioner (SNP) requires a combination of personal traits, professional skills, and emotional intelligence to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Here’s how these traits contribute to success in this role and the ones that every good surgical nurse practitioner should cultivate.

• Detail-Oriented: Surgical NPs must have a meticulous eye for detail to monitor complex medical situations, ensure surgical prep and post-op care are flawless, and prevent medical errors. Every detail matters in surgical procedures, from charting accurately to ensuring instruments are accounted for.
• Flexible: Flexibility is critical in adapting to changing schedules, unexpected emergencies, or alterations in patient care plans. Surgical NPs often work irregular hours and must pivot quickly when complications arise.
• Team-Oriented: Collaboration is at the heart of surgical care. Surgical NPs must communicate and coordinate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.
• Adept with Technical Skills: Proficiency with medical equipment, surgical tools, and technology is essential for assisting in procedures, monitoring patients, and managing post-operative care. A surgical NP must stay up-to-date with advancements in surgical techniques and medical devices.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Clear and concise communication with the surgical team is vital to avoid missteps in the operating room. Additionally, the ability to educate patients and their families about procedures, recovery plans, and expectations fosters trust and understanding.
• Ability to Set Priorities in a Fast-Paced Setting: Surgical NPs juggle multiple responsibilities, from prepping patients to handling emergencies. Knowing how to triage tasks efficiently is vital to ensure smooth operations and patient care.
• Ability to Think Critically Under Stress: Critical thinking helps surgical NPs assess complex situations, anticipate problems, and make sound decisions under pressure. Whether it’s responding to an unexpected complication or solving logistical challenges, staying sharp is crucial.
• Ability to Remain Calm and Composed in Life-Threatening Situations: The operating room can be intense and emotionally taxing. Maintaining composure in high-stakes, life-or-death scenarios is essential for ensuring patient safety and instilling confidence in the surgical team.

Additional Traits That Complement These Skills:

• Empathy: Even in a technical role, compassion is vital when dealing with patients and families.
• Resilience: The emotional and physical demands of surgical care require stamina and mental toughness.
• Lifelong Learner: Medicine evolves rapidly, and staying current with surgical best practices is a key part of the job.

Surgical Nurse Practitioner Jobs

Where Do Surgical Nurse Practitioners Work?

Surgical nurse practitioners (SNPs) work in a variety of healthcare settings that align with their specialized expertise in surgical care. Their workplaces typically include:

• Hospital Operating Rooms: The majority of surgical nurse practitioners work in hospital settings, assisting with procedures in the operating room (OR), providing perioperative care, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. They may support general surgery or specialize in areas such as cardiovascular, orthopedic, or neurosurgery.
• Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs): ASCs are outpatient facilities where patients undergo same-day surgical procedures. SNPs in this environment focus on preoperative assessments, assisting in surgeries, and ensuring smooth recovery for patients being discharged the same day.
• VA Medical Centers: SNPs in Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers provide surgical care to military veterans. These facilities often focus on specialized services such as trauma, orthopedics, and reconstructive surgery, catering to the unique needs of veteran populations.
• Academic Medical Centers: Academic medical centers are teaching hospitals where surgical nurse practitioners may assist with complex surgical cases, train nursing students or medical residents, and participate in research studies to advance surgical practices.
• Private Surgical Suites: Many surgeons maintain private practices that include in-house surgical suites for minor or specialized procedures. Surgical nurse practitioners in this setting provide personalized care in a more intimate and patient-focused environment.
• Trauma Centers: In Level I and II trauma centers, SNPs are key members of emergency surgery teams, providing critical care and rapid intervention for life-threatening injuries.
• Specialty Clinics: Some surgical nurse practitioners work in specialty clinics focused on areas such as oncology, plastic surgery, orthopedics, or urology. These roles may include assisting in minimally invasive procedures or preparing patients for surgery performed elsewhere.
• Military Medical Facilities: Surgical NPs in military healthcare facilities support active-duty personnel, dependents, and retirees. They may be deployed to field hospitals or stationed at military bases, offering surgical expertise in diverse and sometimes austere conditions.
• Rural and Underserved Areas: In underserved communities, SNPs often serve as key providers in smaller hospitals or clinics, addressing the surgical needs of populations with limited access to specialized care.
• International and Humanitarian Settings: Some surgical nurse practitioners work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international healthcare providers, participating in global health initiatives or disaster relief missions that require surgical expertise.

Surgical Nurse Practitioner Schooling & Certification

What Education Level Is Required and How Long Will It Take?

Becoming a surgical nurse practitioner involves extensive education and specialized training beyond the NCLEX-RN certification. It begins with earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, followed by a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. In some cases, employers may also require additional certifications in surgical care to ensure advanced expertise in the field.

Here are the steps required to become a Surgical Nurse Practitioner:

Step 1. Earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree: There are three routes to fulfilling or skipping the BSN requirement.

• Option 1: The first step to becoming a SNP is earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. If you have no prior nursing education or experience, a BSN program will take you about three to four years to complete.
• Option 2: If you already have a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), you can enroll in an RN-to-MSN program. Programs such as these could take an average of three years of full-time study.
• Option 3: If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can skip the BSN and earn an MSN degree by completing what’s known as a Masters Entry Program in Nursing (or MEPN). These programs provide an accelerated nursing curriculum to non-nursing college graduates.

Step 2. Earn your Master of Science in Nursing Degree (MSN)

Upon earning your BSN, you must become specialized in surgical nursing. This can be achieved by earning your MSN degree with a focus on surgical science. Most MSN programs take about 18 to 24 months to complete.

Whether you choose to become a surgical nurse practitioner or not, earning your MSN is a great way to expand your career options and earning potential.

Step 3. Pass the NCLEX-RN Certification Exam

Upon graduating from your BSN or MEPN program, the next step to becoming a surgical nurse practitioner is earning your nursing license. The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a nationally mandated examination that all nurses must take and pass to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN).

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): BSN programs cover fundamental nursing skills, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical rotations.

• • Requirements and duration:
    • Path 1: The first step to becoming a SNP is earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. If you have no prior nursing education or experience, a BSN program will take you about three to four years to complete, depending on how accelerated the program is.
    • Path 2: If you already have a diploma or associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), you can enroll in an RN-to-MSN program. Programs such as these could take an average of three years of full-time study.
    • Path 3: If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you can skip the BSN and earn an MSN degree by completing what’s known as a Masters Entry Program in Nursing (or MEPN). These programs provide an accelerated nursing curriculum to non-nursing college graduates.

2. Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure

1. • Requirements: After earning a BSN, you must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination) to become a licensed RN.
   • Duration: The exam can be taken shortly after graduation, with preparation varying from a few weeks to months.

3. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): These programs include advanced coursework in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and patient assessment, as well as clinical rotations focused on surgical care and perioperative management.

1. • Requirements: Enroll in a graduate nursing program specializing in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) or Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with a focus on surgery. Some programs may offer specific tracks in surgical care.
   • Duration:
     • MSN: About 2–3 years (full-time) or longer if part-time.
     • DNP: About 3–4 years, depending on program requirements and research components.

4. Clinical Training and Specialty Focus

• • Requirements: During your MSN or DNP program, you will complete clinical hours (typically 500–1,000+ hours) in surgical and acute care settings to gain hands-on experience.
  • Optional Fellowships: Post-graduate fellowships in surgical specialties, such as cardiothoracic or orthopedic surgery, are available and may last 6–12 months.
    

5. Get Certified in Surgical Nursing

• • Although certification is optional, some employers may require it. As an MSN-RN, you can apply for certification in a variety of surgical specializations such as adult cardiac surgery, intensive care, and plastic surgery.
  • If you want to pursue a surgical nursing license, you can earn certification through the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN). The AMSN offers a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) credential through the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB). To learn more about the requirements to become certified as a CMSRN, click here.

What Are Some Surgical Specializations?

When earning your MSN, you’ll focus on surgical nursing. These are some examples of surgical specialties:

• General surgery: Focuses on a broad range of surgeries, including those on the abdomen, digestive tract, and other internal organs.
• Neurosurgery: Involves surgeries of the brain, spine, and nervous system, requiring precise, specialized care.
• Orthopedic surgery: Deals with surgeries related to bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, often addressing fractures and degenerative conditions.
• Otolaryngology/ENT surgery: Focuses on surgeries related to the ear, nose, and throat, including treatments for hearing loss, sinuses, and vocal cords.
• Pediatric surgery: Involves surgeries on infants, children, and adolescents, often addressing congenital defects and trauma.
• Plastic surgery: Focuses on reconstructive and aesthetic surgeries to repair or improve physical appearance, including burn treatment and cosmetic procedures.
• Transplant surgery: Specializes in the transplantation of organs such as kidneys, hearts, and livers, often involving complex post-surgical care.
• Vascular or cardiothoracic surgery: Involves surgeries on the heart, lungs, and blood vessels, including procedures like bypass surgeries and valve replacements.

Surgical Nurse Practitioner Salary

How Much Do Surgical Nurse Practitioners Make?

According to Salary.com, as of January 2025, surgical nurse practitioners earn an annual median salary* of about $126,600. The highest-paid 10 percent of surgical nurse practitioners can earn over $149,334.

The salary* of a surgical nurse practitioner can vary depending on many factors, including education, level of certification, and experience. Of course, where you’re working also directly impacts your salary. Factors influencing salary* can include location, years of experience, certifications, and type of healthcare facility.

What Is the Job Outlook for Surgical Nurse Practitioners?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not report any specific data related to the job outlook of surgical nurse practitioners. However, the BLS does indicate that the overall employment of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives is expected to grow 40% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. In part, this is driven by an aging population and advancements in surgical techniques. SNPs are increasingly valued for their ability to improve patient outcomes and reduce the workload of surgeons.

Surgical Nurse Practitioner Career

Are You Ready to Start Your Career as a Surgical Nurse Practitioner?

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree can lead to many wonderful career opportunities that are beyond the reach of the RN certification alone. Becoming a surgical nurse practitioner is just one example. This path offers a fulfilling career for those passionate about surgical care and patient advocacy. With opportunities for specialization, competitive salaries, and the ability to work in dynamic healthcare environments, SNPs enjoy a career that combines technical expertise with compassionate care. If you’re ready to take the next step in your nursing journey, an MSN degree could open the door to this exciting and impactful role.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards becoming an SNP, you can start by learning more about Eagle Gate’s online MSN program, as well as our MEPN program, tailored for anyone with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives while advancing your career to new heights—your future as a surgical nurse practitioner awaits!