How did you know NP was for you?

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

Hey very broad, guide me through life without knowing me, type of question here..

When did you know that the NP route was for you? I am really torn, more so undecided, as to where I see myself in the future.

I've been a nurse for two years now, in an ICU for about five months. My ultimate "RN goal" was to be in the ICU. While I enjoy the unit, I find myself each week "bored" and not challenged. When I get like this I get antsy for change.

I know that I want to continue my education but the route is where I am confused. I do not find the FNP route at all interesting. I do not see myself working in clinics or a doctor's office. If I were to become a NP I would go the acute/hospital route. But I am not "eager" for that title.. I don't dream of being a NP.

I'm not sure that I will fall in love as a NP.

When did you or how did you know that the NP route was your destiny? What helped your decision? Any advice for me? I still consider myself a new nurse but the lack of excitement or challenge at work is bothersome.

** I know with certainty that education/management is of interest to me and not my future. I guess I am seeing my only two real options for further education are NP or CRNA.

[Sha-Sha RN]

I know for me I knew wanted to be a NP after working as a RN for a number of years and working along side many types of providers (MDs NPs PAs) and I wanted the ability to do more for my patients. I wanted to be the one part of the team that was making decisions about their care instead of just carrying out the orders.I have watched many different NP and admired the ones I worked with that truly has a major role in the treatment plans for pts in the hospital and especially NP who are output keeping their pts well and out of the hospital.

from what you are saying it sounds like ACNP or CRNA would be best suiting for you because those roles have more excitement attached to them. I'm a ANP in Endocrinology input and I can say I have my fair share of excitement and many opportunities for learning. I know many FNPs in specialty areas who really enjoy what they do. I would suggest if you have an opportunity to shadow some NPs or CRNA do so so you can get the feel for the roles. For the NP try to shadow with the different types FNP, ANP and ACNP so again you can feel thru the differences. Try to do this before enrolling in a program because their is nothing like starting a graduate program and once you get to the clinical portion you become bored and hate what you signed up for. These programs are it walks in the park, so be sure you know what you are getting into. Good luck.

[Jules A, MSN]

I'd agree that you should probably investigate ACNP and CRNP experiences to see if either of those strike your fancy. I definitely wouldn't do it if I didn't feel a bit of excitement for either role at least imo nursing in general is too difficult not to have a bit of a passion for your specialty.

I knew I wanted to be a NP after a few years of floor work when I saw the stark differences in patients who were cared for by one attending vs another attending. The difference a skilled diagnostician and prescriber makes is like night and day. I was amazed and in awe at the almost magical effect medication can have on a floridly psychotic patient. I closely watched the excellent Docs as well as the not so excellent ones and learned some of the nuances of prescribing which enthralled me and made me want to be in that role also. I love inpatient, not so much outpatient, so I can relate to your not wanting to be in a office setting where most NPs are found.

[anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP]

When I was in middle school I was introduced to NP's when I saw one in the family clinic. I thought it was soooo cool to be a nurse but "playing like a doctor" (keep in mind this was my 12-ish year old mentality...). I loved science but didn't really want to deal with med school after realizing what all it entailed. Also during high school my grandpa got really sick and I had to help at home with nursing duties (dressing changes, tube feeding, etc.). I knew I wanted to be a nurse. I knew I wanted to do more than work at the bedside in a hospital. I wanted to be like that NP who saw me in the clinic.

As I was in school for my BSN I considered things like CRNA but I wanted to talk to patients. Educate them. And the thought of poking stuff into spines scared me. So FNP it was.

I am a few months in and enjoying it as I gain experience and don't have to look up EVERY LITTLE THING. I think being a NP may help the boredom aspect because everything isn't black and white. Reading orders, writing orders, following orders. You have atypical presentations. Complaints that are vague. You have to do investigating and put puzzle pieces together.

It might be something to help with your boredom for sure.

[FNPdude74]

If you want to get out of inpatient work and do outpatient work, FNP is for you. I love the hours and I get my weekends and holidays and I get to diagnose and treat illness.