Does everybody want to be a NP?

Hoosier_RN, MSN · Oct 31, 2015

We just had this discussion where I work. None of us discussing it wants NP behind our names, nothing personal against them, but not a role we want. 4 of us who have at least 15 yrs or greater as a nurse are all thinking of pursuing MSN management role (I have 2 classes left for nursing educator, but they are over 10 yrs old, and I no longer want that role). So no, not for everyone. But I've gotten that attitude from some NPs and MDs...just ignore it and find your own path in your own time. I may not pursue the MSN for a while...someone has to be at the bedside ðŸ˜œ

elkpark · Oct 31, 2015

I don't recall ever encountering anything like that.

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 31, 2015

I don't recall ever encountering anything like that.

Nor have I.

Trauma Columnist · Oct 31, 2015

I'll chime in here too. Is this perhaps just your specific workplace?

I've been an APN for 9+ years and the RNs come to me first and all say I'm very approachable. I've just not encountered this experience.

Everline · Oct 31, 2015

Some people just have that air about them. I've experienced it in varying professions. I don't know that many nurse practitioners but the last one I encountered was very down to earth and friendly. As a general rule, whenever I sense an "air" about someone, especially having to do with superiority, I have to check myself (as uncomfortable as that may be), because sometimes it is something within me that makes me sense that about them.

dawniepoo · Oct 31, 2015

The NPs that I work with are phenomenal. I can ask them anything at any time. Without them my job would be even tougher, so no, I do not see this attitude.

idodialysis · Oct 31, 2015

I have an MBA and have had numerous management positions. You don't need the MBA to do what I do but I believe it has opened some doors for me that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to walk through!

VANurse2010 · Oct 31, 2015

The actual, licensed NPs I've worked with have all been good, down-to-earth and professional. Now, my old unit was a feeder unit for NP schools and we had several who were actively enrolled in NP school - talk about some b_____es.

I personally don't really have any desire to be an NP. I don't particularly want to be an RN, either, for that matter. In any case, often an RN can make more than an NP, at least in my area, and with enough experience can take roles away from the bedside, or at least with less bedside contact.

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Oct 31, 2015

I agree with a previous poster, perhaps it's the area you are in. I have a good relationship with all the NP's I know. They were nurses, they understand the job I do. I am currently in an MSN-FNP program, not because it is any "better" than many other options or degrees, but because after 19 years of inpatient acute care I feel I would like to move out of the hospital to a "normal" work week, stop working every holiday etc. MSN-FNP seemed to be a natural progression to my education and career path.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Oct 31, 2015

I do not want to be a NP. The thought of having to see 30+ patients per day in a doctors' office or clinic for 8 to 10 hours a day, five days a week, simply depresses me. I'd feel trapped. I also wouldn't want to be an acute care NP who rounds on hospital patients.

I'm okay with not calling the shots. I'm enrolled in an MSN-nursing education program. I also suspect a glut of FNPs will be here in a few short years.

Dogen · Oct 31, 2015

I agree with a previous poster, perhaps it's the area you are in. I have a good relationship with all the NP's I know. They were nurses, they understand the job I do. I am currently in an MSN-FNP program, not because it is any "better" than many other options or degrees, but because after 19 years of inpatient acute care I feel I would like to move out of the hospital to a "normal" work week, stop working every holiday etc. MSN-FNP seemed to be a natural progression to my education and career path.

Yeah. I like working with patients but wanted to have a more normal schedule and get out of inpatient psych (love psych, hate the MH system). In my area I'll make more as an outpatient NP than as an inpatient nurse (since an outpatient nurse typically makes less, that seems like a good distinction), but not dramatically more, and it's not my primary motivator. Weekends and holidays off, working outpatient, and actually helping people is a win-win-win.

But, that's me. Apparently some people like night shift at the hospital enough to start threads about it. I've avoided whatever head trauma they've obviously suffered, but good for them, right? Do whatever you feel like. I'm a total team player. Everyone has a role, and I don't care if you're a house keeper, a receptionist, or an MD, we all play on the same team.