Advice on direction of career....

[CNA_LPN_RN]

Hi everyone! I am currently an RN-BSN student (5 credits to go) and I am unsure what to do or where to go from here. I started as a CNA in the 1990's, was an LPN for 6 years, and an ASN-RN for 8 years. I have done a bit of everything in nursing...Case Management (CM), Travel, Med-Surg, ER, etc. I always said to myself, "If I ever find myself burnt out, I will take a break because it is not fair to myself or the patients". I hit that wall, I took a couple of years off from nursing, spent a year in a developing country, and I started an RN-BSN program.

My question is, I plan to continue school after my BSN. But, I really am uncertain of what direction to go. I have thought about teaching, or Psych NP, or Family Practice NP. I just am really uncertain. I enjoy travel, especially international (thought about Doctors without Borders). I enjoy working with populations who are underserved. I enjoy working with those with PTSD and other mental health issues. I do enjoy CM but don't want to do that forever.I also do enjoy teaching and longitudinal research. I question the NP route as I have been burnt out on direct patient care in some ways, but, that could change with more autonomy and a different scope of practice. I have even wondered about MD/DO or changing professions all together.

Has anyone been in a situation that is similar? Has anyone switched careers or found greater satisfaction in an advanced degree? Any advice would be great!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

You have a wonderful background! I agree that NP may not be the route for you because these positions are frequently relegated to clinic-ish, somewhat tedious jobs that physicians don't want to perform. Even CM jobs would be restricted to a smaller scope than you aspire to.

Have you considered moving into the public health arena? Your first-hand knowledge of population health would seem to be a great fit. MPH programs are very competitive, but with your stellar background and experience, I am sure you would be a great candidate. From there, you should aim toward higher-level positions with governmental agencies such as NIH.