Currently in school for NNP - unsure if I should continue or switch to FNP. Any advice?

[jessoutside]

Hi everyone! I'm currently in an NNP/DNP program which I really like. I've worked in a NICU for a little over 2 years, with 4 years of previous adult CV ICU experience. I have to ask everyone for some advice though.

I love the NICU. I was ready to quit nursing after my CVI experience (though I now realize I worked in a very unhealthy unit). Being a NICU nurse made me really like my job again. It made me want to pursue a graduate degree and be a practitioner. However - I feel like I'm thinking more about my future, and what kind of life I want to have, and I'm concerned that being an NNP may not line great with that. I'm honestly at the point of frustration with working nights and weekends and at least half the holidays. My husband is in the military and frequently has to leave, and I can't imagine that once we have kids this kind of schedule will work out. I need to be available. I guess I'm wondering - gosh, will being an NNP work for me anymore? I can't work 24 hour shifts without a second parent, when he's gone, and we don't live close to any family. I've wondered if I might find a job in a follow-up clinic, or seeing the

Does anyone have any advice or thoughts? I'm considering switching to FNP, and part of me is excited at the prospect of working a more "normal" schedule, and feeling like it will work better with our military family life. And part of me is heartbroken. Ultimately, I want to be there for my family first. But I also want to help people, and have a career.

[rnkaytee]

I work part-time as an RN right now and love it, but I made the conscious decision as a new NNP (I've just graduated) to work full-time which is 6-7 24-hr/shifts a month. For me, I feel that I need to work a lot to get the experience and use my new skills. Plus, my group really expects the NNPs to do "extra" (such as teaching NRP) in addition to the actual shifts. Would you work at the same NICU that you are in right now?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

How much longer does your husband have in the military? When do you plan to have kids?

[jessoutside]

Probably not the same NICU. We will most likely be relocated by then.

[jessoutside]

He is going career... No time soon. We'd like to have kids in the next couple years, so I will just be graduating my DNP program.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Okay - then if that is the case, yes I would change to FNP - to give you more options for employment.

My husband is retired Air Force. I did my LPN and ADN while he was on active duty and my education is a haphazard collection of credits from literally all over the world - lol.

Best wishes.

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

Welcome to allnurses.com

Thread moved to Student NP forum where Students as well as NPs will continue to reply.

... part of me is excited at the prospect of working a more "normal" schedule, and feeling like it will work better with our military family life. And part of me is heartbroken.

jessoutside, what you said here will drive your final decision(s).

I remember that division when I made a similar decision early in my APRN career. Good luck with your career plans.

[littlepeopleRNICU]

One thing you could consider is acute care. I know several ACNPs who work in outpatient specialty clinics and have a M-F 8-5 schedule with my weekends and holidays. You have the option of that and hospital, based on your training.

I know it's hard to leave the NICU. I am a NICU nurse and love it, but am an acute care student...even though I love the NICU as a bedside nurse, I wanted more options.

[TrishaMatthews]

My mom is an NNP and I can honestly say that if you're looking to get weekends off & be there for your child, a career as a NNP would not be the best. My mom had to work 24 hour shifts & rotating weekends as an NNP. Best of luck to you! [/COLOR][/font]

[littlepeopleRNICU]

My post above should say "no weekends". It won't let me edit it now. Whoops!

[jessoutside]

Thank you all for your input, it is so appreciated!