Advice - Is this for me?

[lostNneuro]

ever since i started my bsn i have really considered keeping it going to obtain my msn - fnp. here's the thing, over the years i haven't come across many happy np's. many i have spoken/shadowed seemed disgruntled with their choice. i don't want to end up that way! now that i am finished with my bsn (yay, me!), i really need help to decide if i am seeing this thru rose colored glasses or if maybe those i have had contact with expected something it isn't.

these are my honest reasons for getting my anp certification:

• i enjoy preventive and a holistic approach to healthcare.
  
• i really want to be a big part of patient teaching and spend time with my patients.
  
• i am hoping for a specialty to concentrate in, but am okay with primary care once i feel comfortable with it.
  
• i am in my early 30's, getting married, and want to have a family. i would like to work part-time while our kids are young, and still make enough money to contribute to the house hold.
  

its now or never for me. people keep questioning why i would want to do this, and can't i just get a job doing those things without my masters. okay, so tell me, am i crazy??

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm pretty happy as an NP. I've been one for about 2 1/2 years, so maybe I'm still in the honeymoon stage. Nursing was a mid-career change for me, and I'm much happier now than in my previous life. I worked in primary care until 2 months ago, now I work in a specialty practice. I didn't have much time to spend with my patients when I was in primary care (it was all about how many patients you saw), and therefore, couldn't do a whole lot of teaching. That left me very frustrated, which is why I changed jobs. I think primary care is a great place to start, because you get a taste of everything and can then see what specialty might appeal to you. I like my schedule (no weekends, holidays, and only 1 evening til 7), not having to cover for someone else if they call in sick, and most importantly, I really like what I do!

I went back to school full time when my kids were in middle school and high school. I also worked part time. It was tough, I won't lie to you. I missed out on some things cause I was at school, clinical, or studying. But, it was for a finite amount of time and was well worth it. I guess my point is, don't think it's now or never. You can always pursue your MSN part time if you have kids, or you can find a job now somewhere that might help pay for school. You can take classes on line while you work. So, I think you have a lot of options, not just the all or nothing one. If you really want to be a NP, you'll find a way to make it work. Good luck!

[lostNneuro]

Thanks BCgradnurse, you give me hope!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Might I suggest nephrology?

I've been an APN with a large neph practice for almost 6 years now. My nursing background is level one trauma center ER and ICU. (I had approx 14 years as an RN when I became an APN). Per Medicare guidelines chronic in-center hemodialysis pts get visits from either a mid-level or MD four times/month. This is to maximize reimbursement.

So, I visit three clinics (I do drive about 300-400 miles/week) and provide education/manage meds/dialysis, troubleshoot medical care. I do not provide dialysis at all - I have a rudimentary knowledge of the machine but do not do much adjusting.

We have four of us doing the rounding: two of us work full time and two part time. Its pretty flexible.

[lostNneuro]

That sounds great! Thanks for your input & ideas! Honestly, I moved away from the bedside several years ago due to basic burn out. I REALLY want to get back to patient care but I can not imagine going back to the bedside without knowing I'm working towards something. I really appreciate sharing your experience. I don't need to make a lot of money, my goal is to love or at the very least like what I do!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Nephrology (at least in my area) is one of the highest paid specialty practices.