HELP!! I can't choose between FNP vs. OT

[pampinea93]

I am at a cross roads at the moment. I finished by BA in Psych, and I took a gap year to complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II. I have all the prerequisites completed for OT school as well as for getting my ABSN-> NP. I put off going to grad school because I was unsure of what I wanted to do... I'd do an A-BSN, and then apply to a Master's FNP program at my local state college after a year of working (hopefully), whereas with OT, I would attend another CSU and get my Master's in 2.5 years. I know that NP and OT are very different fields, I just can't seem to make up my mind about the careers. Many people complain that OT is a waste of money, and a "joke," and the idea that there is not much room for growth after you practice for several years., which kind of scares me. Apparently, people hit a glass ceiling when it comes to salary within this field. I'm not trying to get rich, because healthcare is definitely not the way to do that, but I would like to know that I have potential for growth. I know that I should not base my career choice only on salary, as I know that NPs make roughly $20,000, (if not more) than OTs, but salary is a big deal to me, as I would like to live comfortably. I know that OT life probably has significantly less stress compared to NPs, but it would be nice to get an idea about what NP life is like.

I have friends who tell me to become an occupational therapist, and I have friends who tell me how much they love being nurse practitioners working in primary care (FNP). Keep in mind, I'm not comparing OT to being a bedside nurse (RN), but rather comparing OT to NP, so I know they will have roughly the same hours (9-5). I have shadowed an OT for 80 hours, so I know a lot about the field. Unfortunately, in Fresno, CA, not many FNPs are willing to have someone shadow them, so I don't really have access to someone who can help answer my questions. I would definitely describe myself as a people person, and I do like that there is more one-on-one time with patients in both these fields. What are some advantages/drawbacks of being an NP or OT? Which career choice would be a better move in this economy? I have been switching back and forth between these two fields for a year now, and it's driving me crazy at this point! I would greatly appreciate any insight on the daily life of an NP...any help would be much appreciated, thank you!

[TruvyNurse]

So I am gathering that you have not earned a nursing degree nor practiced as a nurse? I strongly discourage you to not just go straight for an NP. Practicing as a nurse for a few years beforehand will help you so much in the long run. I've been a nurse coming on 5 years and I still struggle in NP school sometimes. I couldn't imagine not having nursing experience. Also make sure you like nursing before going on to an advanced nursing practice role. I cannot speak about being an OT. Best of luck

[GeminiNurse29]

In a previous life, I wanted to do OT.

Don't go into NP right away, just my 2 cents. You might not even like nursing. The hours may be cushy as a NP but they won't be when you're a student nurse or RN. Nurses work all shifts. I've been an RN for 3 years now and have worked a M-F business hours, a 7-3, 2-11, And nocs. Also, check the regulations in your state and how much freedom you'd have as a NP to prescribe. They vary from state to state.

Truthfully, nursing has a "glass ceiling" too compared to OT. But you'll get overtime if you work outside of a clinic, shift differentials for nights and weekends, and you can always pick up per diem work.

From what I've seen, rehab staff get more respect than nursing staff. And a better schedule.