I started a RN-NP Program with the goal of becoming an NP. I am taking a break now working as an RN having completed the first part of the program.
I have experienced a lot of bullying in nursing school and working as a nurse. It is wearing me down. I know longer know if I want to be an NP because it seems there are some toxic issues in healthcare, plus the workload.
I do have 160,000 in debt with my undergrad and nursing school combined. Part of me wants to finish and do NP just so I can make more of an income and hopefully pay off my debt faster. And do what I always thought I wanted to do, before realizing how toxic healthcare can me. But part of me wants to go into another field, one that is more creative, and I won't likely encounter these issues as much. I have worked in other fields and did not experience any bulling, and have done research and found that it is more prevalent in healthcare.
I know you have already made your mind up, but that 160k is...well...extreme and really should be the main focus, not adding more education (and interest) onto a massive loan.
Best of luck
I appreciate that perspective but if I want to be an NP I don't mind. I will also work hard to get scholarships and grants to do my best to not go over 200k in completing my program. PCP MD/DOs who often make the same as NPs often have the same amount of debt. I am not so worried about, and I also plan to do some type of loan forgiveness program hopefully. I know for me it is most important that I feel happy and fulfilled and then I can pay off my debt working hard happily.
I will say, someone told me about travel nurse jobs paying a ton, like 60k in 3 months, so I may look into that and seeing if I can pay off/down debt before NP school. Otherwise its not worth my time to work 10 years and delay what I want.
I appreciate that perspective but if I want to be an NP I don't mind. I will also work hard to get scholarships and grants to do my best to not go over 200k in completing my program. PCP MD/DOs who often make the same as NPs often have the same amount of debt. I am not so worried about, and I also plan to do some type of loan forgiveness program hopefully. I know for me it is most important that I feel happy and fulfilled and then I can pay off my debt working hard happily.
I will say, someone told me about travel nurse jobs paying a ton, like 60k in 3 months, so I may look into that and seeing if I can pay off/down debt before NP school. Otherwise its not worth my time to work 10 years and delay what I want.
That is false. While they may have 200k in debt, they oftentimes are making 170k (or more depending on the need). Meanwhile, your typical FNP is only making about 85-105k unless in very high cost of living.
You are really setting yourself up for a life of heartache and financial stress if you plan to sign up for 200k as an NP. I am finishing up my program (without debt) and I most likely will not start off making six figures as a new grad in primary care.
But since you are not really caring to listen to the wisdom of someone who is ahead of the curve, then fine. Go ahead and commit financial suicide.
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
You are making a horrible financial mistake. NP's here only make the pay you talk about if they become CRNA's. And, what if during the process or after you become disabled or something else happens? You will still have all that debt and no way to pay it or write it off. I am not saying not to do it, but do it in a way that you can afford.
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
13 hours ago, daisychains11 said:
I am not really concerned, I plan to work either 10 years in a non-profit/government site, or nursing corps loan forgiveness.
That is what everyone says when they start. You never know how things will end or what will be available at the time you finish and need to pay it all off. There are many that thought what you are thinking and are now living at the edge of poverty because of it. Smart and educated people. However, you will do what you will do and good luck to you.
I appreciate that perspective but if I want to be an NP I don't mind. I will also work hard to get scholarships and grants to do my best to not go over 200k in completing my program. PCP MD/DOs who often make the same as NPs often have the same amount of debt. I am not so worried about, and I also plan to do some type of loan forgiveness program hopefully. I know for me it is most important that I feel happy and fulfilled and then I can pay off my debt working hard happily.
I will say, someone told me about travel nurse jobs paying a ton, like 60k in 3 months, so I may look into that and seeing if I can pay off/down debt before NP school. Otherwise its not worth my time to work 10 years and delay what I want.
You are of course welcome to do whatever you want, and if you are OK with that amount of debt nobody here is going to be able to stop you. But please at least go into it with your eyes wide open.
Don't count on debt forgiveness. Unless a complete overhaul of that program is completed before the time comes for you to start paying on those massive loans the odds of your debt actually being forgiven is 5%. Yep, only 5% of applicants are approved as of the latest government statistics compiled in 2021. So have a financial plan to pay for those loans and count yourself extremely lucky if it turns out you are one of the fortunate few that is granted forgiveness.
Don't count on an unusually and unnaturally large wage as a travel nurse to pay those loans either. That wage bubble has already burst, travel contracts aren't paying 60 grand in 3 months anymore and it's doubtful that kind of inflated wage will be seen again.
I've heard that about government loan forgiveness, PSLF is likely more reliable.
Yes at this point it is too late to backtrack. For now I am working as a nurse and if I find it financially feasible to become an NP then I will. Don't some hospitals also pay for nurses to become NPs?
I've heard that about government loan forgiveness, PSLF is likely more reliable.
Yes at this point it is too late to backtrack. For now I am working as a nurse and if I find it financially feasible to become an NP then I will. Don't some hospitals also pay for nurses to become NPs?
Tuition assistance is a benefit offered by some employers. Heck, maybe it's an option with your current employer? Ask HR if you are unsure if the benefit is offered and what you need to do to qualify for it if it is. As that is an employer offered benefit what exactly it covers and how it works will vary depending on company policy.
daisychains11, RN
62 Posts
I appreciate that perspective but if I want to be an NP I don't mind. I will also work hard to get scholarships and grants to do my best to not go over 200k in completing my program. PCP MD/DOs who often make the same as NPs often have the same amount of debt. I am not so worried about, and I also plan to do some type of loan forgiveness program hopefully. I know for me it is most important that I feel happy and fulfilled and then I can pay off my debt working hard happily.
I will say, someone told me about travel nurse jobs paying a ton, like 60k in 3 months, so I may look into that and seeing if I can pay off/down debt before NP school. Otherwise its not worth my time to work 10 years and delay what I want.