Frustrated NP

[cr8tivNP]

Hello~ I have been working as an NP in Women's health for the past 10 years. One year in a clinic and the past 9 in a small, private office, part-time. Prior to this I worked as an RN for about 5 years in the hospital setting-primarily Med/Surg and some "float" work. I also worked per diem through my two years of a Graduate Program. Although I completed an FNP Master's program, I found my self with job offers in Women's Health and so it's here that I have stayed. Since I have been in a specialty or so long, I have been feeling "trapped". I really have lost my Primary Care skills. I have been looking for work (kids off to college and I am now needing to work full-time) but there are very few jobs in Women's Health and I feel too out of touch with Primary Care to consider myself a competent practitioner.

I have even thought about looking for RN work--but since I have been out of the hospital setting for 10 years--they don't want me either! Lately I feel that I have spent so much time and $ on my education, yet it hasn't gotten me too far .

I'm in Northern CA and the job market is pretty tight. I have been thinking about Nurse Refresher classes?? Recertifying ACLS?? Not sure how to make myself more marketable. I'd love to hear some feedback from others out there.

THANKS

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hmmm maybe volunteer at a free clinic in your area? That would get you some experience but also provide you some support.

[elkpark]

Do you really want to go back to doing staff nursing? If so, a refresher course would be a good idea. If you want to continue working as an NP but expand your scope of practice back to FNP, have you thought about contacting schools in your area (with FNP programs) and asking them about possibly auditing some courses (clinical and/or didactic) to create your own, personal refresher course? Or contacting providers in the community you know about an informal preceptorship? They might be v. willing to work with you. Can't hurt to ask. :)

Personally, I would be v. reluctant to spend time and money on a refresher course in order to move backwards professionally (return to a staff nurse role).

I sympathize with your frustration about not seeing much return for all that you put into your education. I've had a v. difficult time professionally over the last few years myself (and am now looking at relocating in order to be able to get a desirable job). Best wishes!

[prairienp]

agree, find a local np program or your original fnp program and take a course (don't audit), maybe a pharm and a clinical course. many schools will allow you to do a independent study with you writing the objectives and evaluation criteria. you may even be able to focus your course work on a targeted job. if you know a position in ed is probable take an independent study in ed.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Another resource is PA reviews. They are 5 days long and approx 50 hours of education. PAs have to re-test every 5 years so this is a comprehensive review.

[MissDoodaw]

or there are the fitzgerald review/barkley review courses

[prairienp]

or there are the fitzgerald review/barkley review courses

Fitzgerald is a Great Idea! But would still augment with a couple hundred hours of family clinical.