Feelings as a new NP

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Specializes in ER.

I am considering going on for my NP, but I definitely don't want to go through the lost, overwhelmed feelings I had as a new RN. I consider myself incredibly lucky that I didn't run into trouble with my incredible lack of knowledge as a new grad. That alone is almost putting the brakes on my education.

What about negotiating your first job- hell, finding your first job? If I get through my NP, will I still be able to practice as an RN if I choose to do so? Has anyone out there gone through the program and wished after it was all done that they hadn't wasted their time and energy? I started out with a diploma RN, continued on for a BSN, and hated the BSN program. It was continual papers to write and no clinical for post RN students. I trust there will be lots of clinical for a NP, did you feel prepared to deal with the teeming masses though, when you finally graduated?

I appreciate all your comments, good and bad.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi Canoehead. I'm a CNS (graduated May 06) and I love it. There is a feeling of "what have I done" when you finish the APN program but there is a preceptorship/orientation of varying degrees. In my practice, my docs are very willing to assist me with understanding what should be done for our patients.

I love the collaboration and autonomy. After 12 years as an RN I was getting stagnant and having a difficult time wanting to learn more. This was right up my alley and has really help me to regain my joy in going to work each day.

As to working as an RN afterwards, it depends. My background is ER and I was very concerned that I would be held to the standard of an APN for assessment and knowledge even though I was hired as a staff RN. I would still love to go back to the ER, but it won't happen.

I say go for it - I think you would do a great job and really like it too.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.

I know for me, I didn't feel as "hung out to dry" by my colleagues and coworkers as an new NP as I did as an RN. As a new RN I rememeber feeling very scrutinized and belittled - I havn't felt that way as a new NP. People have been supportive and encouraging.

It's still new - but it's new in a different way than being a new RN was. It's still scary but not in the same way if that makes sense.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

gauge14iv - you hit the nail on the head. You are still new but the support system is much more professional.

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Specializes in ER.

Were you able to continue working during the program? I'd like to go part time plus a full time job, and minimize my debt. The hospital will pay some of my tuition, but not all.

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Hi, Canoehead. I'm an APRN and love it! I agree with what the other's have said. Hang in there-it is different as an APRN and there's a respect there isn't as a new RN grad. I remember terror writing the first prescription alone.! Like alot of our field-the on the job training is where you really learn. Make sure you have a seasoned MD or NP mentor and don't be scared! Good luck and keep us posted!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Canoehead - I worked full-time and went to school full-time. However. my kids were grown and my husband was used to being neglected - lol.

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Specializes in ER.

trauma, that's cool- I have no kids and my cats pretend they don't care, unless they are chilly, so it should work out. I'm thinking that a NP degree will allow me to work longer when I get old and decrepid, and I'll be able to find a job close to home when I have to move in and take care of my parents.

Thank you to everyone who answered.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

Hi canoehead, I must echo everyone else's sentiments. The physicians in the practice I work with are very patient and understanding and they really take time to teach and show me things. They and the NP I work with are very supportive. I must add that any time you spread your wings you are going to feel overwhelmed but there wasn't any of the meanness I felt when I was a new grad. There are papers but the focus is entirely different.

As for your cats, my cat became very needy and clingy as time went on, it's as if she knew I didn't have as much time and focus to give..........

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Canoehead - that is why I went back to school. I figure I'll be working until I'm 70 and just didn't think the ER was conducive to working much past 55 or 60. I'm 48 now and keep up without an issue but I wanted the choice of where I was going to work.

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Specializes in Occ health, Med/surg, ER.

I just graduated with my ADN and I am so anxious to get some experience under my belt so I can eventually go to a NP program (that is after i get my BSN done! :)

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As far as working full time... I just started my NP program this past fall and went full tim. I thought it was going to be like nursing school, where you study with your classmates but I found it to be kind of isolative. Everyone is a different program (I'm psych-not too many of us) and different stage of the program. So I miss work. I miss talking to other psych nurses. I'm going part time this semester b/c of the way they offer classes, there's not that many classes I can take. I can't wait to get back to work. I applied to the local VA and am waiting on orientation. I don't have kids and no pets. Just a boyfriend who works insane amounts of hours. So I'm thinking starting part time at work and then full time in the summer and for the next year untll I start my clinicals in Fall 2008.

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