NP versus Nursing Management

[jlcole45]

Well I am in my first year of NP program and wondering if I'm making a mistake.

I'm a RN with 22 years experience - mostly ED and critical care, have seen and done

a lot. My current position is a a nursing supervisor on weekends (took this job because

of NP school), and I actually really like it. Been at this facility for about a year and a half.

I'm a great bedside nurse and a very good supervisor - mostly because I've got lots of

experience and I really enjoy mentoring and helping the staff. I'm the supervisor who

answers the call light, helps your patient to the bathroom, and is there to walk your through

your first chest tube insertion - with the grumpy surgeon. As a result the majority of the staff think I'm the best thing since sliced bread.

So this is my dilemma - perhaps I should be getting a MSN in administration rather than the NP.

I wonder if I should play to my strengths which are bedside nursing and the mentoring of staff.

Rather than start over from scratch as a NP.

Thoughts?

[Chaoticdreams33, MSN, RN]

Well this is a very good question. I just clicked on your post because this is the dilemma I am having as well. I cannot decide if management or NP would be better for me either, though I am a new nurse (almost 3 years in).

So I don't have an answer for you. But I would say go for what your gut tells you. Have you shadowed NP's? Maybe if you did it would help you to decide. But if you are a good manager (sounds like you are great) then maybe that is what you should stick to. Lord knows we need good nurse managers!

[jlcole45]

It's funny because I never imagined myself in management and I took this supervisor job to work around my FNP schedule! Then things changed financially at home and I felt I needed to apply to a full time manager job - to pay the bills. I have the second interview tomorrow with managers and directors so i should have a better feeling for the position. I haven't given up yet on the FNP I just was wondering if I was missing the obvious.

[Chaoticdreams33, MSN, RN]

Sometimes things happen for a reason! Good luck with your interview, and see how you like doing it full time (although that will likely be hard also going to FNP school).

You seem to like mentoring and teaching the staff. What about a nurse educator?

I know, there are just so many things to consider! But good luck with whatever you choose. I am sure you would be good at it.