Burned out as a RN, but happy as a NP?

bookworm1 · Aug 23, 2007

Thanks for the advice. I am just starting the clinical portion of my BSN, so I have 2 years to think about it. By then I may be ready for a vacation by going to work:lol2:.(that's if I make it through!!)

BChapp3182 · Aug 23, 2007

I did not have any RN experience before starting FNP program. I am at the top of my class. Experience can have it's good and bad points. You should be entering the FNP with basic RN knowledge regardless of experience.

The good thing about experience in the FNP program is you'll have to study less learning the drugs and lab values, etc. The bad thing about experience is that what you learn on the job such as a particular hospital's protocol, may not be the text book answer you need to give on a test. Several of my class mates who are long time ICU, and ER nurses have failed because they relied too much on their experience and not enough on the textbook.

If you can work the first year of the NP program part time I think that would be the way to go.

I feel happier learning the role of FNP vs. bedside nurse (I was an LPN for 11 yrs). I love FNP because as a nurse I always wondered why am I doing a particular thing? I needed to know how the decision arose to put a pt. on a particular drug or what leads to ordering that test? How exactly does one diagnose a disease? I'm finally getting my answers and it's like a whole new world of understanding is unfolding.

Dixiecup · Aug 23, 2007

There's often a big debate over the need for experience prior to starting an advanced degree program. Before my FNP program started I thought that it was really an individual decision whether you spend time at the bedside or not. However, as classes got underway, I noticed that the students who had never worked as RNs seemed to lack some basic concepts... asking questions such as "what's a BMP & CBC?" :uhoh21: Ummmm... I'd be ashamed to ask such a question in class. You don't only need to know what those labs are, but also the rationale behind why they're ordered, and what the results mean. Basic stuff like that.
Is there an option to work pt while attending school pt? I was able to work ft the first year while simultaneously taking a full load of courses. Once the lengthy clinicals started I dropped school back to pt. So a 2 year degree became a 3 year. Not too bad, IMO (despite my
desperation to move on).
Best of luck with whatever you decide!

I am in the FNP program (it is a totally online program)I will graduate Dec. 08 (seems a million miles away!) I have been a nurse for about twenty years so I'm not lacking experience but you still learn new and interesting things every day.

I work 40 hours a week and take two classes a semester. It's not the easiest thing to do but i'm doing it out of necessity.

It would be great if you could work at least part time to gain some nursing experience and knowledge. I think that would be workable for you without putting too much undo stress on you.

yellow finch, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2007

I am in the FNP program (it is a totally online program)I will graduate Dec. 08 (seems a million miles away!) I have been a nurse for about twenty years so I'm not lacking experience but you still learn new and interesting things every day.
I work 40 hours a week and take two classes a semester. It's not the easiest thing to do but i'm doing it out of necessity.
It would be great if you could work at least part time to gain some nursing experience and knowledge. I think that would be workable for you without putting too much undo stress on you.

I'm also graduating in Dec. '08! It feels like an eternity away! If I could have afforded to go f/t all the way I'd be done this Dec. *sigh* Well, it's worth being able to work in my specialty area rather than be a student all the time. Hubby is ready for me to be done with all this school stuff. Heh. :devil:

What courses are you taking this semester? And which school? I'm thrilled to be taking only Research this Fall... the syllabus already has me stressed out!