ARNP with kids

angel549 · Feb 18, 2012

I am about to finish up and graduate this Spring. I have been an RN for 16 years. My background is cardiovascular critical care and cath lab. I am doing several hours in my final semester with a great cardiology practice. They are "hinting" at a job post graduation, but I am worried. Their mid levels work 50+ hrs a week. Only 1 weekend a month on call. NO NIGHT CALL, EVER! Salary approx $90K. 401K is NOT provided, 2 weeks a year vacation.

As a new NP grad, I want to get a job as soon as possible. But my main concern is how many truly FAMILY friendly jobs for NPs are out there?! I am married, but my husband works horrible, unpredictable hours in the hospital - so I have to take my 8 year old to school, and pick her up. Extended day is only open in the evening until 6pm.

Frankly, I see myself staying a staff nurse after all this hard work, 3.9 GPA, and student loans to repay. How understanding are practices to ARNP with children? The NP who is my preceptor has a "stay at home husband"....haha, I don't have that option. Another NP I questioned says her 11 year old is a "latch key kid".

I love my job. I have loved going to NP school, and have excelled at it. My concern is how do you bring this up in an interview? Most girls graduating with me have no kids, are only 2-5 years out of their BSN program. A friend of mine who graduated a year ago loves her NP job, but told me last week "When I have a baby, I don't know what I'll do. I can't work these hours with a child" Ugh. I am depressed, when I should be planning my grad party!!