Does everybody want to be a NP?

md9068sn · Nov 9, 2015

That's ridiculous if there are people making you feel that way. There are other areas nurses can get an advanced degree in. They don't have to be an NP. As of now, being an NP isn't something that peaks my interest, though I would like to advance my education sometime in the future after having enough bedside experience.

Also, nurses are more than just nurses. We have other aspects to us that we don't share at work. What if you want to go to school for something else completely outside of nursing? What if you want to use the extra time you have outside of work to pursue a hobby you have like art or writing?

Saying that every RN should become an NP is like saying everyone should wear the same shoe size. It just doesn't make any sense, especially since nursing is known for being so broad. Each nurse brings different things to the table.

ErinRN2012 · Jul 11, 2016

I'm on the fence about becoming an FNP. Mostly because I don't want to go back to school right now.

I work with several NPs, and all but 1 are great to work with. The one that acts like she's above us never worked the floor as an RN. I think that makes a huge difference.

greener22, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

I see this all the time, especially with younger nurses who have less than 2 years experience. Seems like almost everyone is in NP school. even my best friend is now an NP and can't understand why I don't want to do that. I do have a MSN in Education and that is what I love. Where did this idea start?

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

A nurse who worked on my staff was attending NP school. I made a lot of accommodations in her schedule to help her get through. The farther she went in the program, the more that what we did was beneath her. A couple of my staff who worked part-time jobs elsewhere ran into her as an NP. Instead of speaking to someone if she needed to talk to one of the nurses, she snapped her fingers like she was calling a dog. Arrogant isn't a strong enough word to describe her attitude.

needlesmcgeeRN, ASN, RN · Jul 11, 2016

I work with a couple of awesome NPs, but I do not want to join them!

chiromed0 · Jul 11, 2016

Well, I'm an NP now and I'd tell you "no" not every nurse should pursue NP. Job market is location dependent and you can make NP money just working your butt off as an RN w/o the debt. For some of us clinical work is better suited to our strengths than nursing work.

There's other ways as an RN to gain certification in different areas and make just as much. It's not the be all and end all, it's just an alternative for an RN. Believe me there's nothing about being an NP or a Dr. that should make one look down at RN's. That's just the person you're dealing with. Now, on the other hand I really get annoyed by RN's that question everything Dr.'s/NP/PA's order. It's fine to learn but it doesn't foster any faith/confidence in the RN if the clinician is always wondering if that nurse is NOT going to do what they request.

Baviary · Sep 5, 2016

I've met RN's who are rude and think they're better than everyone else..AND have met NP's who are the same. That being said...I am a Psychiatric NP, work outpatient. I make my own hours and see 3 patients an hour. I make 4X what I made at my best paying RN position. For me the ability to work closely with my patients, not have to work weekends/holidays and being respected by not only my patients but also those in collaborative roles makes my position , well GREAT! I LOVE what I do.