If your are pursing MSN/FNP/DNP what area do you work in?

allnurses Guide · May 19, 2009

I've worked rehab and did NOT find it laid back - I found it physically and mentally draining.

On the other hand, I LOVE critical care. I thrive on the challenge and pace, and love learning new things. I work in the CTICU/cardiac transplant arena and I'm studying to be an ACNP.

Grif_Psyc · May 27, 2009

I will be pursuing my MSN-NP in Psych/Mental health and Adult. :)

valkyria, BSN, RN · May 27, 2009

I too work in trauma now but I have other focuses in my life now and I want to slow down. I have a MS in education and I am going for my ARNP in critical care. So much for slowing down. But, this way I can have both. I can teach and I can work with my patients but I do not have to be in the unit running codes. The problem is, money. What they pay professors compared to what you can make at the bedside or working with a physician, that will make it more difficult. Perhaps this will cause folks to look for homes elsewhere. For instance, I used to live in Georgia, outside of Atlanta. I have been looking at going back there. More home for less money, less taxes, lower cost of living and still all the advantages of a large metropolitan city. Food for thought.

PAERRN20 · May 28, 2009

Thanks for the reply. I am looking to get into education. I have a well paying job but the stress isn't worth it anymore. I am concerned that if I go to rehab or outpatient surgery that schools will have an issue with this since there is absolutely no critical care. I know the ED isn't technically critical care, but I do vents, ICU admits, transfers, etc. and I do take care of many critical patients.

valkyria, BSN, RN · May 28, 2009

Trust me I know that our ED is beyond critical care. If anything I would worry that you would become bored but if you get bitten by the teaching bug and you fall in love with it as you did with adrenaline, you will be an asset to any school and a blessing to any student. There is alot to be said for gratification from your career but there are many kinds of gratification. There is alot to be said for watching someone perform under pressure who you taught. There is no feeling like that.:redbeathe

mom2cka · May 28, 2009

I'm starting an FNP program this fall, and currently work FT in an acute rehab unit - rather busy, average 7-8 patients with an LPN, often we share a PCA for 13 patients. We're responsible for bathing, toileting, ADLs, teaching, assessments, treatments, meds, etc. While we work as a team, if the PCA did all of the patient care-type stuff, lights would never go off and things just wouldn't get done. It's physical - but I started there 2 years ago as a new grad, and don't know how it would compare to the ER - when I float to other units, though, it's often a very nice 'break' from my unit. Good luck with your decision and schooling!

Christen, ANP · May 29, 2009

I started out in critical care, worked there for four years, and am now in a leadership position in orthpedics pursing my ANP. I am very grateful for my critical care experience as it taught me so much and really helped me development my confidence and decision-making skills. The leadership role has been very helpful in teaching me how to lead a team.

I think working in these areas really helped me be able to pursue my ANP so quickly because I was exposed to a lot of different types of patients very quickly!