Job Satisfaction of NPs

[HealthyRN]

Would any practicing NPs care to comment on their job satisfaction? Do you like your job? Why do/don't you? How do you think the overall job satisfaction of being an NP compares to that of an RN?

I am a new graduate and so far I dislike my job as an RN. I am one of those that became an RN with the ultimate goal of becoming an NP. I am enrolled in a FNP program for the fall, but I'm starting to wonder if I made a wrong career decision. I know that it takes awhile to feel comfortable as a new grad and to enjoy the job, but I think that it may be deeper than that. Although I did very well, I disliked nursing school and did not enjoy any of my clinical rotations. The only thing that keep me going was my dream of becoming an NP. Now that I have been accepted and will be starting school in a few months, I'm starting to wonder if this is really what I should do. To complicate matters, the university is going to pay for my education. I feel like it would be crazy to give up the opportunity to get a master's degree for free.

I've spent some time shadowing NPs and I believe that I would enjoy the work much more than what I am currently doing. I'm just curious if practicing NPs enjoy their positions much more than what they did as an RN.

[southernbeauti7]

I initially graduated with a women's health np certification. I worked 6 months in a gyn only clinic and then decided to go back and get the fnp(was getting bored). I have worked in occupational health, urgent care clinics and briefly in a high risk OB unit--until the hurricaine blew it away! I am back in occupational health now. We do lots of DOT physicals, wokers comp and minor complaints. We refer all patients with chronic illness. I highly recommend occupational health. Its easy, low stress and usually pays decently. I think the ER is a great place too-though I've never done that. I have friends who work in teaching hospital ER's as NP's and they are awesome in terms of their experience and ability to multi-task. Also ER's pay the best. Locally(south Ms.) around 60 an hour. I've heard that from RN's as well- that they can make more than NP's so why go back to school? Well. Personally, I like a monday thru friday job, I like to see my family daily as opposed to working nights, weekends or travelling. I challege you to find a RN who works 4 10 hours shifts during the week(with wensday off), never works weekends or holidays and can make what even a new graduate NP makes. Oh and lest I forget--is only responsible for one patient at a time, never has to put up with idiot managers who became managers because they couldn't cut it on the floor, never has to put up with hospital administrators who are business people who don't care anything at all about nursing. You know I could just go on and on! Hope this helps you with your decision!!

I know what you mean!!! FNP has worked out so much better than RN. I hated working in hospitals on the floor, but it was the best money. Now I enjoy a low stress job in a comfortable environment and I am not worn out when I leave work. When I worked the floor, I had 8,9, 10, sometimes 12 patients on day shift. But that time is over!!!! I will never go back.

[ak127]

Thanks so much for this thread! I am entering a BSN/MSN program for non-nurses in the fall and it helps so much to hear confirmation from NPs that they really are happier than when they were RNs. I'm excited about starting but I have cold feet at the moment about making such a major transition from research to nursing. I want to be good at this, not just ok. I want a job where the satisfaction of helping others makes the *nearly inevitable* headaches of the workplace (bad bosses, catty coworkers, etc) worth it! Reading all of this is very encouranging! Please keep it up!

[lc3]

Thanks so much for this thread! I am entering a BSN/MSN program for non-nurses in the fall and it helps so much to hear confirmation from NPs that they really are happier than when they were RNs. I'm excited about starting but I have cold feet at the moment about making such a major transition from research to nursing. I want to be good at this, not just ok. I want a job where the satisfaction of helping others makes the *nearly inevitable* headaches of the workplace (bad bosses, catty coworkers, etc) worth it! Reading all of this is very encouranging! Please keep it up!

I completely agree. Thanks for all the imput. I'm also in transition from a research job to nursing. I was accepted into a accelerated BSN program, but I am also applying to master entry programs to be an NP. So, this thread is so helpful, because its just reconfirming my decision to pursue a Masters! Thanks!