Is NP really worth it?

Specialties NP

Published

Just feeling a little overwhelmed right now and would like to hear from all the NPs. Do you enjoy your job now significantly more than when you were a RN? If so, what is it about being a NP that makes you happy you pursued it opposed to staying a RN? I have been questioning lately whether or not I have it in me to do this and if it is worth the stress. Right now all i see is more time away from my family (constant reading and studying) and time constraints/assignments that seem impossible to complete, with little to no help from my instructors. I think most of my frustration is with my particular program, but that's a whole different story.

I guess I just want to hear from NPs if you all felt that becoming an APN has caused you to be a lot happier with your career and given you greater job satisfaction? I personally am not doing it for the money because i make great money working for my agency (have my husbands bennies) and really won't be making much, if any more per hour than what i already make now. But I would also be lying if i said that I absolutely LOVE beside nursing and want to do it FOREVER. I think it is an important and humbling career, but I guess I have always seen myself wanting to do more (not degrading those that stay at the bedside by the way).

My answer is definitely yes. I enjoy my job now much more than before as an RN. I make significantly more money, but that's not the main reason. My breadth of knowledge is so much more than before, and I use that knowledge every day. In my program, they told us at orientation, that the program would fundamentally change who we were, both as nurses and as people. I thought it was just talk. I now feel it to be totally true.

No NP program that I know of offers a lot of hand-holding and instructor input. At the graduate level, you must teach yourself. You will have guidance, but it is only by your own sweat and effort that you will transform into an NP. You cannot get there just by showing up and occupying a seat. I don't mean to sound harsh, but it truly IS a lot of work. And everyone I know who has become an NP had moments where they thought, "I simply cannot do this...it is too much." But, keep your passion, keep keeping on, give it your best...it will be SO worth it in the end. Also, it goes by pretty fast because you are SO busy.

You can do it!

kyboyrn

96 Posts

Specializes in Nurse Practitioner-Emergency Room.

I agree. I just graduated from NP school, but from my first day of clinical, I knew that I was going to love the NP role, and loved all my clinical rotations and what I was doing so much more than being a nurse. Don't get me wrong, nursing is a wonderful profession. I loved being a nurse for some time, but after a couple years, I knew I was ready to move on and do something with a little more autonomy. I love the critical thinking and being the "go to" guy related to care for my patient. I love the diagnosis process. I love making treatment decisions, and seeing how the treatment I prescribe/order/etc. helps the patient to have postive outcomes. You do get more respect from physicians/other NPs/PAs etc. Many physicians see you as a peer rather than below them. You are the provider. You make patient care decisions. You decide what to do instead of having someone tell you what you do. It's a wonderful profession and being a nurse for 5 years really helped me to develop clinical skills, clinical decision making, and proper bedside manner. I wouldn't change what I am doing now for anything. I think it is worth it especially if you enjoy being the person who calls the shots. Some people love the nursing role, and that's great. We need wonderful nurses. For me, it's not a question. I love the nurse practitioner role.

Christen, ANP

290 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

I loved bedside nursing....until I started NP school! I love my job, my patients, and the thinking that goes into being a good provider. It's pretty awesome.

TJFRN

73 Posts

My answer is definitely yes. I enjoy my job now much more than before as an RN. I make significantly more money, but that's not the main reason. My breadth of knowledge is so much more than before, and I use that knowledge every day. In my program, they told us at orientation, that the program would fundamentally change who we were, both as nurses and as people. I thought it was just talk. I now feel it to be totally true.

No NP program that I know of offers a lot of hand-holding and instructor input. At the graduate level, you must teach yourself. You will have guidance, but it is only by your own sweat and effort that you will transform into an NP. You cannot get there just by showing up and occupying a seat. I don't mean to sound harsh, but it truly IS a lot of work. And everyone I know who has become an NP had moments where they thought, "I simply cannot do this...it is too much." But, keep your passion, keep keeping on, give it your best...it will be SO worth it in the end. Also, it goes by pretty fast because you are SO busy.

You can do it!

Keep your head up you can do it! I just started my FNP program and I'm very happy with my decision. I know I'm going to have some sleepless nights, but I'm proud to be a nurse and will even be more proud to be a FNP. I agree with sandbetweenmytoes (love that by the way) no hand holding! But hopefully your program will be supportive! Good Luck!:)

zenman

1 Article; 2,806 Posts

Yes, wish I had done it earlier.

Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

I've been working as an NP for just about a year, now, and I am soooo glad I went through with it! Not only is the pay much better, I feel like I actually do a lot more for my patients with regards to education and treatment. I also feel like I am respected a lot more by my patients and fellow health care providers. I enjoy collaborating with my patients to design the best treatment plans for them.

Also, I enjoy getting to eat my lunch - in peace - every day I work. I enjoy leaving work on-time most days. I enjoy following up with my patients and seeing how they are doing. I enjoy working with my NP/physician colleagues. I enjoy no holidays/weekends. I really, honestly, can't complain!

Hang in there - it will all pay off in the end.

Specializes in Nurse Practitioner.

Thank you all so much for your truthful, thoughtful, and encouraging words. It truly means a lot to me!

I don't know why I am feeling so defeated. I am a very ambitious person. I have always been a "nerd" so to speak. I love the challenge of learning and appreciate higher education for all it has to offer. I honestly have just never felt so challenged academically in my entire life (and maybe that's how it should be). And for the reasons you all stated, not necessarily because of the level of difficulty, but the process of learning and the frustration of having to figure everything out essentially on my own. I guess I just never expected that, and assumed I'd have more guidance. Its one thing to be presented material and expected to learn it. But its a whole different ball game to have to figure out what you need to learn, how to learn it, and where to get the resources and materials to learn it. Sometimes I just feel like how can i teach myself something I don't know? Its good to know that it isn't just my program and that this is just the way it is.

I do really want this and I have never been a quitter. I'm sure I'll get through it, I was just having a brief melt-down. But hearing all your comments really helped. Thanks again for your support.

zenman

1 Article; 2,806 Posts

Your "self-learning" will continue when you get out so get it down pat! I have books almost in arms length no matter where I sit in my place.

Dixiecup

659 Posts

If I was any happier I would bust! I too, like the "figuring out the puzzle" aspect of the job. I work in a rural clinic which is very challenging. MOst of my pts don't have insurance or money, so getting them treatment is a challenge.

I doubled my salary when I became an NP. It feels so good to be able to help my family more. Especially my adult children. (I know everyone doesn't feel that way, but my dad was always there to bail me out and now I can do the same for my kids).

It is also so easy to make extra money if you need to. I currently work a full time job and a part time job and my bank account is loving it!

Specializes in Nurse Practitioner.
If I was any happier I would bust! I too, like the "figuring out the puzzle" aspect of the job. I work in a rural clinic which is very challenging. MOst of my pts don't have insurance or money, so getting them treatment is a challenge.

I doubled my salary when I became an NP. It feels so good to be able to help my family more. Especially my adult children. (I know everyone doesn't feel that way, but my dad was always there to bail me out and now I can do the same for my kids).

It is also so easy to make extra money if you need to. I currently work a full time job and a part time job and my bank account is loving it!

Thank you for this! That is very inspiring. My children are 8 and 5 now, and I know they get more expensive as they get older.

Wed03

11 Posts

If you do not mind me asking, how much do you make as an np? i am in Louisiana

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