Questions for nurse practitioners

[brialynn]

So, I have so many questions about becoming a NP.

I want to do it so BAD. I am just kind of a nervous nelly about schooling.

I do have a child and am wondering how rigorous NP school is.

I know they will probably makes it a DNP before I get there but if some of you guys who have went through it can explain to me what it was like, clinicals, classes, what kind of classes you had to take and what were the clinicals like, hours, homework ANYTHING. I just want to make sure I can do it with a baby. I doubt myself in this aspect because it is something I want so bad but am nervous I wont be able to acheive it and waste money going to school to try to do so. This may sound silly and honestly I am not even an RN yet but I'm a CNA and I always come to this site for info. I cannot be an RN forever, Ive been a CNA for to long and my body already hurts, I am tired of getting hit, spit and yelled at. I love helping people and making them smile but I cant wipe butt forever. I want something more out of my career. Nursing for awhile then NP. I want to go to graduate school. Anyone with Babies here help a girl out? Money wise- time wise- worth it and how hard was it?

Also, another concern is, what are some of your hours like as an NP, im nervous I will become an NP and sacrifice all my family time. I dont want that. I know i will have to sacrifice some but I dont want to live a doctor lifestyle whhere I dont spend time with my kids.

Also, how nervewracking is being an NP in reality. I love action, but I want to know from an NP how fast pace it is, or what its like daily. Job descriptions and things you can do as an NP. THANKS EVERYONE

[anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP]

Well I'll say it can be tough. I went part time taking 1-2 classes per semester so the THEORY part wasn't too bad. Just time for papers, readings, research, etc. even my pharm, patho, and physical assessment classes weren't too bad. In my program for these classes we met 1 day or evening per week (depending on the class). I was able to work full time and they have me my one day off so it was pretty easy work wise. Coursework wise it was about like you would expect nursing school to be except instead of sitting in class for hours on end you are at home.

When you get to clinicals, though, you're in a whole new ball game. I had to get 180 hours each semester so that averaged about 2 days in clinical each week. Plus I had papers, quizzes, SOAP notes, discussion postings, etc. MY clinical classes are 5 hours each (as in credit hours) so I knew it would take up some time vs a 3 hr course. It was here I dropped to part time with benefits (30 hrs per week) but that still stressed me out trying to keep my schedule straight. SO now I am working weekend option. Work 12's Saturday and Sunday then have the entire week for school stuff. I still need about 2 clinical days per week so I technically "work" 4 days a week leaving 3 days for quizzes and papers (which aren't too bad this semester).

There are classmates of mine with several kids and babies and they are making it. I think it depends on your program (as far as the workload) and your support at home. If you have to work full time the entire way it will SUCK. Some programs also require more hours than mine. So it's very individual.

As far as NP hours it seems that that's very individual too. Many office are open 8-5. Some of the urgent cares have 12 hour shifts. Some NP's even work in the hospital and work nights or weekends. I have heard several times that your first job may not be your DREAM job but it will get you experience and a bigger paycheck. So while I would love to work in cardiac I may have to do family practice or urgent care which is ok.

Hope it all works out for you. If you do some research on programs in your area you can probably find one that will fit your life.

[MallysMama]

I know many nurses with kids that have gone on to become NPs! Some managed to continue working full time and others did not. I have three young children myself and am starting an ACNP program in 2 weeks (ahhh!)- but I only plan on working per diem. I figure it takes a great deal of time management skills to balance everything....but it definitely is possible to accomplish!!

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I went to school full time, worked part time, and had 2 pre-teens at the time. School was very rigorous and really didn't leave me any time for socializing. I sometimes missed school and sports events due to clinicals. However, I'd sit with me kids every night and we'd all do our homework. They were old enough to understand that it was worth 2 years' sacrifice for the end results. They were so proud of me and it showed them that hard work pays off. I love being a NP. I work in an outpatient practice. I work 2-10s and 2-8s and have every Friday off. I don't work weekends, nights, or holidays. I rarely have to stay late. It's doable with kids if you can manage your time properly and have support. You sound like you really want to do this, so you will find a way to make it work. Good luck!