Regrets?

Trauma Columnist · Jan 26, 2009

Positives:

1. Autonomy.

2. Pay.

3. For the most part, more daytime hours.

4. Opportunity for more learning.

Negatives:

1. Autonomy - the chance that you'll make a mistake and hurt a pt is much higher.

2. Dealing with some doctors (few and far between fortunately) that have "issues" with mid-level providers.

3. In some places, there is a glut on the market and jobs are difficult to find or they don't offer competitive wages.

For the most part, I've been happy with my decision.

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Feb 1, 2009

Even though my first NP job was pretty bad, I'm now in another NP position that is really great. I have no regrets about getting my Master's degree and becoming an NP. I think it is such an exciting, rewarding field. :)

VivaRN · Feb 2, 2009

I'm a fairly new NP but no regrets here!

Same positives as traumaRUs plus:

1. M-F no weekends no holidays, and an actual lunch break! For me that is total bliss.

2. Seeing one patient at a time and being able to really listen to that person

3. Emphasis on health promotion and prevention

4. The continued relationships I have with patients and watching them improve - very rewarding

Same negatives too... I love the autonomy but with it comes responsibility. I would also add

1. Role confusion with providers not used to working with an NP

2. The discomfort of being new all over again

It's been a great fit so far.

PumpkinEater, MSN · Feb 3, 2009

I also have my toes at the end of the diving board for an advanced practice degree (ACNP) so I'd also appreciate hearing what NPs out there have to say about their decision to go through the extra schooling. Are you more satisfied with life/work as an NP vs as an RN? I'm a pretty fresh nurse and I like the free time (i.e. 4 days off a week) that nursing affords me to pursue other interests as well as the ease of "leaving work at work" as an RN. But I also look forward to the ability to make more defining decisions as an NP. So, as the previous poster asked, any regrets?

MissBehavin · Feb 4, 2009

Is there anybody that now wishes they became a DO or MD? I have been told by several NP's that if they would have been younger they would have went that route. I have gone back and forth in my head, I am only 23. However I figure I was drawn to Nursing in the first place. It just makes me sad, when I see so many NP's that are unhappy.

so on a second note anyone LOVE their job, or have their dream job description as a NP?

Mine would be as wither a cardiothoracic ACNP w/ first assist, or Trauma NP with first assist.

Thanks ALL u guys are always so supportive!