Acute care NP versus MPH

[NurseNare, BSN]

Guys please, some advice. I’m supposed to begin my acute care NP Program (hybrid and close to me) this week after deferring for one year and I have never felt more unsure of this decision. After being bedside 3 years, I still love it but I’m ready to explore beyond the bedside. The terrible systems we have in this country, the pandemic, the way nurses are treated, the focus on treating the sick versus a culture of wellness, blah blah. All of it makes me want to run from the hospital. Also, I want to venture into some small businesses, I still work bedside full time and my finances are not in order to start this program. Thoughts? Anyone go the acute care or NP route in general and hated their program? I’m also 35 and need to get this going if I’m going to do it. Would it be better to transfer to an online MPH program? Any advice would be helpful. Thanks. 

[Guest1144461]

Online MPHs are like MBAs, dime a dozen with zero effort for entry. To make it matter you would need to go to a well-regarded school.

Sounds like you would hate the ACNP role as well (I am one).

[nem90, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

In regards to finances, I would check and see if whatever hospital you work for offer an option where they pay for your education. I didn't get the chance to do it at my hospital because I knew I would be moving away, but many hospitals have the option where they pay the tuition in return you agree to stay and work for them for X number of years - usually 3-4.  Many of my friends did this, and we all worked full time while going to school part time. I just graduated and it took me just about 3 years but I was able to have a good salary and wouldve had my tuition paid for had I stayed. 

I didn't love my program but I did what I needed to do in order to graduate. I loved bedside nursing but I wanted more. I guess you need to figure out what you want, I like working in the hospital,  I like the complexity/ patient acuity, and being hands on which was why I chose acute care. If you're going to be miserable in the hospital then I don't see the point of going through all of it because it requires a lot of time and dedication, and if its something that youre not really into, its going to be hard to get through all that hard work and school.