Anybody want to help me plan my career??

[kerussll]

I've been a NICU nurse for 3 years now, and it's been my plan all along to get some good level 3 experience and go back to school for my NNP degree. I"m starting to question whether this is what I want to do now, and I was hoping some of you fine people could give me any insight! Let's start at the beginning...

I graduated in 2010 from an entry level master's of nursing: CNL program. (unusual, I know) I thought the CNL position seemed like a good fit for me, and I was thinking of taking the certification test after I got some nursing experience. But since I graduated, I have seen zero job postings looking for a CNL. Maybe this position just didn't take off...

I've worked in two level 2 NICUs since graduating, and recently got a great job at a level 3 teaching hospital. I'm sure I don't want to be a staff nurse forever. I do enjoy it, but I feel I want to advance myself. I need at least 2 years of level 3 experience to go to NNP school. Now that those 2 years are ticking away, I'm not sure if an NNP position would be right for me. I see our NNPs working 24-48 hour shifts, and I can't imagine wanting to do that once I have children. Plus, I'm feeling overwhelmed by the new information right now and the thought of having more responsibility around these fragile babies scares me. I'm wondering about possibly taking on a CNC roll or an education leader roll instead. Could I do any of these jobs part time once I start a family? Would they all pay about the same? I just don't know! Any other positions you guys can suggest, and what I should do in the meantime to prepare myself for them?

Thank you so much for reading this long post!

[TheMiss]

"I'm feeling overwhelmed by the new information right now and the thought of having more responsibility around these fragile babies scares me. I'm wondering about possibly taking on a CNC roll or an education leader roll instead."

Seriously? You think you will have less responsibility if you are an education leader than if you are an NNP? Let's say that i disagree with that statement.

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

Don't let the fact that the NNPs you know work 24-48 hr shifts dissuade you. By and large the vast majority of NNPs work straight up 12 hour shifts. That being said, most rotate shifts and they'll almost always include nights and weekends.

The thing you might want to consider is a degree that will allow you to eventually work weekdays, vs a shift schedule. I love my job, but sometimes I long for bankers hours.

[MommyandRN]

Maybe a pediatric nurse practitioner? You would still use your neonatal experience but give you more options.

BTW, I have to say something... I believe you meant "role" not "roll".

[bmsrn]

How about a family nurse practitioner. That way you can do adults or children. You can work in a pediatricians office or even a Walgreens 1 minute clinic- that would have nice hours. I agree with previous posters- get a degree in something you can actually find a job in. I've never even heard of a CNL.

[2012rnnewbie]

Please correct me if I am wrong, isn't a CNL a clinical nurse leader, which is acceptable for most leadership and management positions?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Please correct me if I am wrong, isn't a CNL a clinical nurse leader, which is acceptable for most leadership and management positions?

That's what I was thinking. A CNL degree prepares you for a variety of roles within the health care system -- not just ones labeled "CNL." Most NICU's have a variety of people working on special projects, doing quality improvement studies, patient education, staff education, coordinating specific projects, etc. Keep your eyes open and take a look at some at those possibilities.

[2012rnnewbie]

Yeah there are similar offerings at my hospital that's why I was confused on why the original poster was looking to obtain another degree without reaching the full potential of their current degree.