Changing careers (sort of)?

[amalay]

Hello! I'm a primary care PNP that had gone through a direct entry masters program (read: I have very little RN experience) with an itch to return back to inpatient RN work. I have been in primary care for the past 3 yrs. Do you or any of you have any advice on how I could go about doing so? Or would you recommend a post masters acute care PNP if I want to do inpatient work?

[Jules A, MSN]

I've heard this "liability" issue flying around but don't understand it and have never seen a specific legal case reflecting it to be a real issue. If you are working as an RN then you do RN work. That is simply it. You aren't going to be held to a higher standard legally just because you have an NP license if you are not performing NP duties.

QUOTE]

This is my understanding also.

[Oldmahubbard]

A friend got her NP degree but continued to work for several years as an RN, night shift ICU, because in those days there was no pay difference, and it suited her family obligations. This was 15-20 years ago, and she had no issue.

[LookForward]

I had a coworker who was an NP working as an RN. Its ok. go for it.

[Oldmahubbard]

Perhaps in such a case, you don't tell people you are an NP. But yes, you can legally work as as RN.

Kind of sad that this happens, though