[MeechiesRNBSN]

Hi Everyone,

I would really like some advice on my current situation. I have a bedside RN for 2 years now. I would like to pursue my MSN to become an FNP. I am currently working on a cardiac telemetry unit. I have several issues that are at the forefront of my dilemma.

1. working part-time vs. full-time? Will I lose all my practice that I have accomplished these past two years?
2. do I need ICU experience before getting my MSN to be an advanced practice RN?
3. if i do finish my MSN and become a FNP, can I still work at the bedside and explore other nursing areas in the hospital like OR, ICU, or others? Or would I be considered over-qualified to do bedside nursing?
4. I don't know if I want to pursue an administration track, such as CN since I have my BSN. I would not be as flexible with my schedule if I go back to school.
5. Am still in my 20s, should I explore nursing further or should I go back to school because as many people say "you are still young"?
6. can I still be a clinical educator at a hospital if I am an FNP?


I am pretty confused with my next step in my nursing career. I feel that I am being pressured into going back to school now because I am "still young" and not attached to kids. I know I should pursue advanced education. I would appreciate any advice from NPs on how to make a good decision. Thank you in advanced.

[Dixiecup]

1. If you can afford it, I would highly recommend working part time while you're in school. School is stressful enough on it's own. I wouldn't worry about losing your skills, esp. if you stay part time.

2. There's no rule that says you need ICU exp. to become an advance practice nurse. I've spent my 20 year nursing career in corrections or LTC and I'm doing it! Just being a nurse is all the exp. you need!

3. Of course you can still do bedside nursing after you obtain your degree, but why would you want to? What are your goals? Why do you want to further your education?

4. Can't really help you with this one. That would depend on what you really want to do.

5. You're probably tired of hearing the "do it while you're still young with no kids" thing, but believe me, you will be glad you did. I didn't even become a nurse till I was thirty and had a family. I wish I would have had the luxury of just being able to focus on school without all the other repsonibilities. It can be done, but it is very difficult.

I don't know exactly what your reasons are for furthering your education but if money is a factor, that is another good reason to do it while you're young and "free". I feel like my family has had to sacrifice because of the cost of my education. I wish I would have already had my education so my children could have benefited from my income instead of pinching pennies so I could go to school.

6. You certainly can still be a clinical educator in a hospital as an NP. But if that is something you are interested in I don't know if I would pursue an MSN. A BSN would probably be more than enough to secure an educator position and the salary probably not be much more with an MSN. (someone with more experience can chime in here, as I'm not familiar with clinical educator positions in larger hospitals)

Don't know if I've helped or hindered you, but I thought I would at least offer my opinion!