Career choices prior to NP school

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I just graduated in December, passed my boards in February, & am currently working at a rehab nursing home as an RN Supervisor. My ultimate goal is to go back to school to become a FNP, preferably within the next 2 years. The dilemma I find myself in right now is that I do not like my job because I'm not learning enough regarding acute care. I am babysitting dementia patients most of the time, passing out meds, & calling in lab results. I am learning quite a bit about the basics of being a nurse, but I don't feel that it will provide me with what I need in order to be ready for NP school.

BUT, this job will pay for the schooling after I stay for 1 year & it pays more than any of the hospitals in the city (& I have lots of loan debt to pay off!!)

So... should I stay for that reason alone? Or should I try to find another job like Med surge or ER in the hospital setting?

What kind of job as a nurse would provide me with the best learning environment to become a NP?

Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thank you in advance!

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Hmmm...you are in a pickle! You need to get that debt paid down BEFORE getting into grad school, if you truly have "lots of loan debt." That will only add to your stress, don't add to it. Sounds like you have a great deal already, I'd hold on to it.

In my situation, I found the ER to be the best learning situation. Lots of fodder...

You'd be surprised what an ER manager would do if you offered to volunteer in the ED some. Think about it, give a few Saturday mornings, Sunday afternoons, I know it sounds crazy, but you start giving, showing up...get my drift? You'll turn out to be a junky like me and love it. They might even offer you a prn position. The clinical environment is just too much to love. You'll see EVERYTHING. Heck, you might even chose to be a ACNP! Keep us up2date, I'm getting excited for you!!!

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Specializes in tele, MICU.

I have this same question except I am currently in a NP program and have been working as a RN for six years. The last 3 years I have been working in MICU. I love the MICU and have gained valuable experience. I just interviewed at a level 1 trauma ER and at a larger MICU than where I am currently working. I trying to figure out what position I should take, which one would be more valuable. What do you guys suggest?

Thanks

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

What NP program? PNP? FNP? I LEFT the MICU for the ED. Couldn't talk to those intubated patients and 1/2 of them died. After 5 years, it just got to me. The ED was a breath of fresh air and I've been loving it ever since (AM I CRAZY???)

The ED just gives you such GREAT fodder for a learning environment for school. You will see, hear, feel, smell, review, gosh...everything! It even helped me writing H&P notes. Get this, if your docs get wind of you being in NP school, they'll exploit this and expect you to "go with them" as sort of a quasi-resident. I did! LOVED IT!

My advice, ED...don't look back! :redbeathe

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Specializes in tele, MICU.

I am in FNP program. I should be in an ACNP or ENP program but the schools in my area are limited to the programs they offer. I figure that once I complete the FNP I will work on ACNP as a post-masters. I really love the MICU. During my interview in the MICU, I felt at home. For comfort I would choose the MI over ER but I know that I need the ER experience. If the ER is offered to me I will accept, maybe I can work in the MI as a prn nurse.

Thanks

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