Dilema-NP ptogram

[hotrn]

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting although I have been visisting this site for quite some time. I have a dilema, and I need some advice.

I am currently in my second semester in an MSN- NP program , and I hate it. I am doing well in my classes but I realized early on (last semester) that being a NP was not for me. What I really wanted to do was do the CRNA program, and I initially wanted to get some additional experience in an ICU program, howver family members and friends told me that I should stay with the NP program ( because I got a scholarship) and that I will change my mind. Unfortunately, I still feel the same way. I am so depressed. I hate going to school because I am not enjoying the program. I have considered taking a break, but people have said that I have come so far (I have one more semeter and summer left) and that IO should just hang in there. But the truth is I am not happy, plus I have no intention of working as an NP. So I was wondering if any of my fellow nurses had any advice for me.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Oh Gee whiz - you are right you do have a dilemma. Okay, what would happen if you pursue a CRNA now - how many credits are transferrable? Do you have the requisite ICU experience? If not, then could you continue in the NP program and then gain ICU experience as an APN? To be honest, life is too short to be unhappy with your career. Have you shadowed or had enough OR knowledge to ensure that CRNA is definitely what you want to do?

[tmarie75]

i say ditch the np program and save yourself some time, energy, and money if you are certain you don't want to be an np. i've been there and done that already with a previous degree (non-nursing). i understand that it's hard to give it up since you've come so far because that's the reason why i continued on getting a degree i really didn't want. i was close to graduating so i decided to just go ahead and finish it. if you feel you may change your mind later maybe you should just take some time off to think about it. i agree with the other poster that said life is too short to be in a career that doesn't make you happy. not fair to you or your future patients. i wish you well in whatever you decide!

[hotrn]

Thanks for your advice. My experience is mostly in med-surg so I need to get an ICU job if I want to get the prerequisite experience. Most of my credits are transferable to the CRNA program in my school. However if I get accepted somewhere else, they may only take 12. I have really been considering taking some time off( 1 year) to figure out things, but my DH recently got a job in another state, so taking time off with the intention of coming back may mean that I will have to be seperated from my family in another year should I decide to come back and complete the ANP program.