Should I become an FNP?

[raeenna]

Trying to decide-- I've been an RN for 4 years on a busy medical oncology floor. It's always been a goal of mine to go back to school and now I am thinking more about it since I've started a family. I'd like to be able to work days and not every holiday away from home! Im looking for a new challenge as I feel burnt out on hospital nursing, yet still very passionate about what I do at its core.

Tell me your pros / cons about becoming an NP as far as challenges, scheduling, patient load, flexibility, change in role, etc.

Do you miss bedside nursing?

Thanks so much!

[BritFNP]

No one ever responded, so I thought I would.

I'm testing for FNP in 2 weeks. I do not miss bedside nursing. I know many nurses love it and do it for their entire lives. Pros for me are scheduling, independence, responsibility, respect, autonomy, added knowledge, and low stress (mostly so far). If you feel burnt out or bored, try a different area of nursing, or...go back to school. I always encourage people to go back for their NP. Healthcare/medicine needs you. It's supposedly transitioning to a DNP around 2015, so if thats not something that interests you, you would wanna hop on the boat quickly to get grandfathered in to the MSN requirement.

Although I haven't began practicing just yet, I will start mid september, with a preceptor that I worked with the last 8 months who offered me a position and I can say I'm very excited about the experience.

The challenges with NP is paying for school, making the time to dedicate to learning, and adjusting tothe added responsibilities that come after that.

Good luck whatever you decide!

[reddgirl]

I couldn't respond as yet because I haven't obtained a NP position yet. The market is very hard here in the south.