Career Transition-NP

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Hi I just wanted to get some feedback from other NP's or other Advance Practice Specialties. I'm highly considering a career transition into the NP wold via an immersion program or possibly a PA program depending. I currently work in healthcare management at the level of an Assistant Director, and have an undergrad in business. I've done pretty well for myself in this field, however, I am absolutely bored to death. I am a hands on person and do not like sitting behind a desk. I do have some medical experience via the military doing rescue/medevac missions (EMT). I think this experience made me very interested in medicine and patient experience (more so than the business side).

Here's my challenge, I have around 6-7 more prereq's to go before I can apply. I work full-time, so this will take me at least 3-4 quarters to get done. If I do get in a program, my families income will be severely limited for at least the first year (not working) and will be a challenge the following year if I work part-time. I do have the GI bill which pays for school and some of my living expenses during the program. Am I crazy for even considering this option? If you were in my shoes, would you consider it?

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

Sure, if I was certain that it is what I wanted to be doing. IIWY, I might save a bit longer before beginning. You need to have 50% more in liquid savings than you think you need, otherwise you are sure to have car trouble, furnace trouble, roof trouble, plumbing and electrical problems, and possibly the boll weevil, because that is just how things go.

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It is a long process. Just getting the RN will be a 4-semester program, then another 4-semesters for the NP, and that is full time. Nursing school is very difficult because of the long clinical hours required. So if it is something you want to do, then go for it, but make sure you have everything in order before you start (place to live, place to study, and appropriate financial resources).

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My current employer offers a salary replacement for students in NP,RN programs. So this is looking like a good track. Thank you for the feedback.

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