I am still debating between FNP and PMHNP. Today I am leaning to FNP (tomorrow that might change...Queen of Indecisiveness here). I am currently a school nurse and looking to get a PRN job that will help me with whichever program I choose. Obviously, I will look for a psych position if I go that route, but my options are fuzzier if I go the FNP route.
I have a new urgent care clinic near my home which is hiring for PRN, and I really like how they run their practice (I have been there with my husband when he was ill). But, I also have the possibility of getting into an ED at a hospital about 40 miles from my home. I currently work about 40 miles from home so the drive is nothing new. My friend works there and can arrange for me to shadow and see how I like it, then hopefully hire on PRN. With either position, if I like it I might try to get on full time after this school year is over. I hope to start my NP program part time next fall.
Which of these options do you think would give me better experience to relate to a FNP practice? I think Urgent Care would give me more insight into what my practice might be like, but I might be able to see/do more in a busy ED. Any thoughts?
Oh, a word about my long-term career goals. I would like to start out as an NP in an urgent care or primary care environment, or maybe a school based clinic. Eventually I would like to have a group practice that specializes in holistic care, with options of both western and traditional medicine and services such as massage and accupuncture. Bear in mind...this would be way down the road and other than fantasizing, this is not even on my radar yet!!!
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