Deciding not to be an NP

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · May 23, 2017

While in pre-nursing classes, I thought I wanted to be a PMHNP. After my psych clinicals, I decided I didn't actually enjoy it.

I also once had plans to become a CRNA. I finally finished my BSN in 2015...and I have zero desire for more schooling. I have five kids, one of whom will be herself starting college in three years. My husband and I will of course be PAYING for much of it. :uhoh3: But most importantly, I really love being an ICU nurse. I don't want to leave the bedside! :inlove:

Atl-Murse · May 23, 2017

I wanted to be an NP but not so sure anymore. It seems everyone and their mama is in NP school. The though of spending 40k /3 years just to earned what I do now is not that appealing

WestCoastSunRN, MSN, CNS · May 23, 2017

I am in the midst of making the decision as I am at the age where if I'm gonna go back to school I need to do it soon. If I don't do it, I'm pretty sure the reasons will be as follows: 1) I very much enjoy ICU bedside nursing. 2) I very much enjoy my rather uncomplicated work situation 3) I've been doing this enough years I make decent money -- I'd be a newbie NP. 4) There are other ways to grow my intellect (even in my own current work role). 5) I like 12 hour shifts. 6) The NP program is a HUGE time and financial commitment. 7) I've thought about staying bedside for money while venturing out into health coaching as a side gig or something like that. 8) I worry about the future of the NP role, and yeah.. I'm one of those old-school nurses who think NP's should have a true nursing background (sue me, shoot spit balls, whatevs... it's how I think it should be). 9) See number 8.

Wow. That's a compelling list. Great question. Thanks for asking!

llg, PhD, RN · May 23, 2017

I know lots of people who changed their mind after getting some experience and learning more about the many nursing career options. A lot of people enter nursing school with very little knowledge about the many career paths available in nursing. That's understandable -- and is true for most careers. Also, most people enter nursing school without knowing "themselves as a nurse." Because they have no experience as a nurse, they can only speculate as to what aspects of nursing will fit them best. Most people learn that stuff only after they have experienced nursing for a bit and tried a few things.

It's kind'a like buying clothes. You really don't know whether a piece of clothing is going to work well for you until you actually try it on. That's OK.

caliotter3 · May 23, 2017

I do not see the payback in NP. If I were interested in personal improvement or professional happiness, I would have gone through the effort to become an MD/DO to satisfy my interests in medicine.

bok2012 · May 24, 2017

I am sad to say, I have no desire to go back to school either, but the dang wife is more or less forcing me to go get me FNP, since she is getting her AGACNP...................

calipoppy04 · May 24, 2017

I went to nursing school thinking I would become an FNP like my mom. I got a per diem job on an inpatient psych unit and loved it. So then I thought I would become a pmhnp. Now I have a benefitted 0.7 position on the same unit. I really enjoy psych and plan to stay in it for the long haul. However, now that I have benefits and work 7 on, 7 off, I don't know if I want to do the pmhnp route. I am compensated well and I am at the bottom of the payroll steps. I essentially only work 26 weeks out of the year. I can pick up extra shifts if wanted. After working all shifts, I've realized I am not a "morning" person, so I don't want to work the typical office hours an np would work. I don't think an office job can match the benefits a large organization like a hospital can. I do want to continue my education, so I'm looking into other graduate options than np. I see my mom having to do dictations after work, on the weekends, and even holidays. She has to take call. No thank you. I enjoy being a staff nurse and enjoy the quality of life my work affords me.

iPink, BSN, RN · May 24, 2017

When I decided to change my career about 6 years ago, I wanted to be an FNP and I was excited. After going through an Accelerated BSN program, I was starting to rethink that idea and about 90% of my classmates were discussing NP school in the near future. With many wanting to be CRNAs. Reality hit when we started working as nurses and paying back those student loans. For me those loans included my first degree (B.A.) and now the BSN. I'm done with school. Decision final. I graduated in 2012 and heard only 2 of my former classmates actually continued to either the MSN or DNP.

Ruby Vee, BSN · May 26, 2017

I have a Masters in another field and was offered the chance to be an NP with only one additional year of school which my employer would pay for. I thought about doing it, I thought I should do it. I planned to do it. But then I realized I was dragging my feet because I really didn't WANT to do it. So I didn't. That was the right decision for me.