Any APRNs that also enjoyed bedside nursing?

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I just finished my AGACNP, will sit for AACN certification exam early next month and then look for a job. I'm targeting hospitalist positions with the eventual goal of an ICU position. I've seen many threads from APRNs that said they didn't enjoy their bedside RN role anymore and that was what pushed them to go back. I have worked LTC, med-surg and ICU and I have enjoyed all of my bedside RN positions. There are definitely frustrations at times, but overall I still really enjoy patient care. There's a small part of me that wonders whether I will miss that type of position when I take on a role as a NP. Did anyone else ever have a similar concern? Did anyone miss the bedside role after transitioning? Don't get me wrong, after my clinical experiences, especially in the hospitalist role, I'm excited about the chance to work in that capacity, I'm just wondering how others have experienced the transition. Thank you for sharing.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I enjoyed being a CNA and I enjoyed being an RN.  I knew fairly soon after starting work as a CNA that I would one day want to be an NP.  There are parts of each job I enjoy and parts that I don't. I sometimes miss being a CNA or RN, but at the same time, I really enjoy being an NP and don't regret that I've moved into this role. 

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10 hours ago, JBMmom said:

I just finished my AGACNP, will sit for AACN certification exam early next month and then look for a job. I'm targeting hospitalist positions with the eventual goal of an ICU position. I've seen many threads from APRNs that said they didn't enjoy their bedside RN role anymore and that was what pushed them to go back. I have worked LTC, med-surg and ICU and I have enjoyed all of my bedside RN positions. There are definitely frustrations at times, but overall I still really enjoy patient care. There's a small part of me that wonders whether I will miss that type of position when I take on a role as a NP. Did anyone else ever have a similar concern? Did anyone miss the bedside role after transitioning? Don't get me wrong, after my clinical experiences, especially in the hospitalist role, I'm excited about the chance to work in that capacity, I'm just wondering how others have experienced the transition. Thank you for sharing.

I liked being a bedside nurse.  For the first year....I missed it a bit.  (It's natural to miss a role where you felt competent when you have moved back to a novice)   I don't miss it even a little now.  Given that you will be working in the hospital setting, I think you will still get the comradery that makes bedside nursing great.   When I see APPs going back to bedside ....it's usually when they are in the first 6 months -1 year of  the new role. I think that is a mistake. 

 

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I am wondering if any of you are willing to do a study group. I am looking for anyone to do a study group session with me for AGACNP boards.

 

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Yes, both.  I started as a CNA and though the steps from LPN to MSN continuously through school and I would not go backward with any step but would not bypass any of them either.  

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I was an LPN then RN then APRN.  I loved the ED bedside nursing. The chaos, adrenaline rush, etc.  however to be realistic at uh 60+ the APRN role is easier physically but not mentally.  

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Specializes in CTICU.

I loved ICU nursing. I am an ICU NP. If you want to work as an ICU NP and you are ACNP trained with ICU nursing experience, why not apply directly for ICU NP jobs? There are lots.

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