First NP Job

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I am a relatively new NP- been on the job for 7mos now. Wondering if anyone would like to share what their first NP job was like, how long they lasted, regrets, and of course the joys.......Thanks!:coollook:

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Just a few weeks into my 1st FNP job. Joy = 1st paycheck and more than a few patients telling me "thanks." Frustration= #$%#$%#%#$%#$%$ ICD-9 codes!

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

I'm a couple of weeks into my 1st NP job, also. Received my first paycheck today and it made me VERY happy! My colleagues are great, also, and the patients I have seen really seem to appreciate NPs. So far, I honestly can't complain!

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

I'm still in my first job. "Hybrid" Walk-In clinic and I still love it. Everyday, I enjoy going in because I never know what I'm up against, just like the ED.

The first few months were rough, mostly due to procedures. My NP program did not stress it and I did not seek it during my rotations (my fault!) so the learning curve was a bit steep here at first. Luckily, I had a few warm-hearted PAs who took me under there wing and very quickly brought me up to speed. I'll never forget that. I actually ENJOY a laceration or two now, Dermabond is my friend.

Dealing with the paperwork is another frustration. I went from an EMR back to tons of paper, post it notes, paperclips, folders, etc. But, hope is around the corner, we may be going to an EMR in the fall. I have volunteered to the be lead provider to work with the biller on the launch.

Educating folks is also another surprise. I do have the luxury sometimes of sitting and taking my time, while running like wild other times. So, I take the liberty when I have it to teach, educate and stoke warm hearts. I have found that I do actually enjoy talking with Seniors more than I originally thought. Coming from the ED as a RN to Ambulatory/Urgent Care as a NP has been more than rewarding. I'm still a little cool on the depression/anxiety stuff, but the more I read, the better I get at it, sometimes, I wish I had the time to sit and talk w/these folks...just not possible. I guess that's what Psych is for huh?

Of course, working along side a group of great, nurturing peers, including my "collaborating" MD has been a pure joy. These guys and gals are the best.

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I'm getting more and more hopeful after reading these great responses. Now can anyone tell me how to pass the ANCC FNP exam. I hope to take it in 2 months. What review material should I purchase, ....better yet, anyone have some gently used current stuff they would like to sell me ...cheap. I'm currently over 50k on my fafsa loans. argh

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Fitzgerald, Leik all you need, make flashcards on your own. Studied every night after work, took those cards with me everywhere. Do this, you'll pass.

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I am really enjoying my first NP job. I enjoy the autonomy and the appreciation from the patients and staff. As a staff nurse, I felt like such a peeon. I hate to say it but it's true. I was so tired of getting dumped on. Anyways, I really like my schedule as an NP. I work 4, 10 hour days, no call, no weekends, no nights, no holidays. I really enjoy the work I do, caring for cardiac patients. The salary is very good too. I recently had my 90 day eval and got a little raise! I have no regrets. So glad I went back to school. It was so worth the pain and suffering of graduate education because it landed me...the job of my dreams.

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I am really enjoying my first NP job. I enjoy the autonomy and the appreciation from the patients and staff. As a staff nurse, I felt like such a peeon. I hate to say it but it's true. I was so tired of getting dumped on. Anyways, I really like my schedule as an NP. I work 4, 10 hour days, no call, no weekends, no nights, no holidays. I really enjoy the work I do, caring for cardiac patients. The salary is very good too. I recently had my 90 day eval and got a little raise! I have no regrets. So glad I went back to school. It was so worth the pain and suffering of graduate education because it landed me...the job of my dreams.

Thank you for your positive feedback! I'm so happy to hear that you enjoy being a NP. I'm currently an outpatient chemo nurse and although I love what I do most of the time, I feel there is something missing, autonomy maybe? Even though my hospital has nurse ladder for RN, I still feel that getting my NP will give me more opportunity and satisfaction. Next month, I'll start my FNP program and I so looking farward to it. Like you said, it's going to be tough and hard but I know it'll be so worth it at the end.

Thanks a lot for your words of encouragement!!!

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This is for experienced RNs, but have anyone seen a DECREASE in their pay in comparison to being a RN. A skin care nurse who is like a Clinician III at our hospital said she makes more than the NPs she works with and there was no point in getting her masters. I just want to hear other peoples experience with the NP market.

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Specializes in Emergency, MCCU, Surgical/ENT, Hep Trans.

Tis true! About $10k less I'm afraid. RN of 20 does not equal a new grad NP, I'm surprised I got as much as I did from the place. But in less than a year, $2/hr raise. I have several other offers on the table, at ONE year mark, I'm bailing...

After 20 years as an RN, there's a few things I've learned...

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Thanks everyone for sharing your first job thoughts.

For me it is as difficult and as rewarding as I thought it could be. The hours are long, the pay good, the typing of the EMR...grrrrr!

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Tis true! About $10k less I'm afraid. RN of 20 does not equal a new grad NP, I'm surprised I got as much as I did from the place. But in less than a year, $2/hr raise. I have several other offers on the table, at ONE year mark, I'm bailing...

After 20 years as an RN, there's a few things I've learned...

LOL..so what is the point of getting a masters when you are making less than a RN. Honestly, maybe it is a waste of time. However, I feel the autonomy and flexibility will be more beneficial in the end to me.One of my preceptors told me the first NP job is going to be the crappiest because you will make less, but I would hope after 5-10 years of experience and a decent specialty that the pay will max out to be more like a PA than if I stayed at the bedside.

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