I need your input on a potentially life-altering decision...

Liddle Noodnik · Feb 13, 2010

I have no experience with any of those things but I wish you well, no matter which you choose!

NurseKJ · Feb 13, 2010

Here's a thought (and something I have done/do). Look at local job listings in the area you wish to live/work when done school, and see what hours (and they sometimes list pay) are expected. Look at hospital websites, craigslist, hot jobs, and whatever you can find, to get a feel for what is available... granted these jobs won't be there when you're done, but you can at least see what's out there.

I really cannot speak for CRNA hours-- however, i think anps and acnps can have a variety hours depending upon if you are in the hospital (icu, ED) vs in an office. Depending upon your state, ANPs may or may not be allowed to work in the hospital-- which leaves you the office-- which typically have good hours (granted, some call or occasional weekends may be required-- I would imagine most holidays off). ACNPs can work in offices or the hospitals... I tend to see more jobs for ACNPs in the hospital to be similar hours and shifts as the RNs.... (this is the main reason I decided on FNP instead of ACNP-- however, i am still debating whether to get post masters ACNP).

You could check salary.com or other website of the same for salary-- but I think it's safe to say, that as a full time APN you should make a very decent and comfortable living.

I think you have reasonable expectations. Do a little research and see what you can find.

-KJ

FowLaf24/7 · Feb 13, 2010

On a serious note: If this is a life-altering decision, you might check in with people you know and trust. Seeking advice from individuals on website for such decisions just seems ridiculous:uhoh3:.

Quienes · Feb 13, 2010

Hi,

How exciting first of all! What is your background in health care? Are you an RN or working in the hospital now? If not, do you have to choose a specialty your first year? Usually the MSN programs start with a 12 mo. BSN which might expose you to different aspects of nursing during which a specialty may jump out at you as the perfect fit.

Scrubs911 · Feb 13, 2010

I have no experience with any of those things but I wish you well, no matter which you choose!

Thank you!

Here's a thought (and something I have done/do). Look at local job listings in the area you wish to live/work when done school, and see what hours (and they sometimes list pay) are expected. Look at hospital websites, craigslist, hot jobs, and whatever you can find, to get a feel for what is available... granted these jobs won't be there when you're done, but you can at least see what's out there.
I really cannot speak for CRNA hours-- however, i think anps and acnps can have a variety hours depending upon if you are in the hospital (icu, ED) vs in an office. Depending upon your state, ANPs may or may not be allowed to work in the hospital-- which leaves you the office-- which typically have good hours (granted, some call or occasional weekends may be required-- I would imagine most holidays off). ACNPs can work in offices or the hospitals... I tend to see more jobs for ACNPs in the hospital to be similar hours and shifts as the RNs.... (this is the main reason I decided on FNP instead of ACNP-- however, i am still debating whether to get post masters ACNP).
You could check salary.com or other website of the same for salary-- but I think it's safe to say, that as a full time APN you should make a very decent and comfortable living.
I think you have reasonable expectations. Do a little research and see what you can find.
-KJ

You raised so many good points. Thank you so much, I'll look and see what's out there.

On a serious note: If this is a life-altering decision, you might check in with people you know and trust. Seeking advice from individuals on website for such decisions just seems ridiculous:uhoh3:.

No it's not ridiculous to seek input from people who are able to give objective and diverse responses based on life experiences that I and those I trust may not have access to. Those I trust tend to care too much to be objective, and most of them have no clue what nursing is about besides what I tell them. I appreciate your input though.

Hi,
How exciting first of all! What is your background in health care? Are you an RN or working in the hospital now? If not, do you have to choose a specialty your first year? Usually the MSN programs start with a 12 mo. BSN which might expose you to different aspects of nursing during which a specialty may jump out at you as the perfect fit.

RN with some ICU experience, so far that has helped me sort out what things I do not want to do for the rest of my life lol. Thanks for chipping in.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Feb 13, 2010

Explain to me why making $120,000 base as CRNA is "living" the life.

That really isn't that much.

I'm being honest here.

ivorybunny · Feb 13, 2010

For me, I just graduated and will soon be a Psych NP. I've found a position which is M-F 9-5, no holidays, no weekends, no on-call.... this is a dream after working 6 years at night for 12 hours. I won't know what to do with myself. I chose this because I knew it would allow me more time at home with my hubby, and I can have real vacations. As far as "comfortable" lifestyle- starting out I was offered 80K... for me that's a big jump in salary... so that would be something to consider depending on what you make now. I know some of the nurses I work with between working nights, weekends, and overtime- they would make less as an NP. (crazy as that sounds)

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 13, 2010

You might want to consider jobs in Staff Development (the specialty of Nursing Professional Development) or a Clinical Nurse Specialist role. Those roles are more about supporting the staff than providing direct care and therefore have schedules that are more flexible.

In such roles you would focus on teaching classes, maybe coordinating orientation, working on clinical projects, policy development, evaluating practice, implementing change, etc. The hours rarely include nights, holidays, weekends, etc. and you can usually have more flexibility in your schedule. As you get experince in professional development, there can be opportunities for working on conferences, teaching workshops, teaching at a school part time, etc. I have a friend who left her hospital staff development job to teach for a school part time and also to work part time for a company that teaches 1 and 2 day review courses for people to take their certification exam in her specialty. She can schedule those workshops at her convenience.

Staff development and CNS roles "keep you current" because you are in the hospital working with the staff who work directly with patients -- and maybe doing a little direct patient care yourself. However, you have a WHOLE LOT of autonomy and a good schedule and lots of different job opportunites down the road.

It's funny how young nurses rarely think of the field of staff development when they think about career planning. They think only of Nurse Practitioner, CRNA, and management roles. Check around your hosptial. There are probably lots of nurses with "other roles," such as staff development, pain coordinator, palliative care coordinator, infection control specialist, skin care specialist, etc. Most of those roles are MSN level roles (or will soon require MSN's) -- and they give you the types of things you say you want.

Good luck!

mappers · Feb 13, 2010

llg, this is what I'm thinking about doing. I've been in nursing on a Med Surg/Onc floor for 1 1/2 years. My background before was in HR and IT. I think I either want to do Nursing Education or Nursing Informatics when "I grow up". I think I will go for my MSN at some point, but I have to pay off my current student loans first. (How do people go straight from one program to the next???? I can't imagine living with that much debt.)

Now I'm trying to just learn as much as I can to so I can move into one of these roles as soon as I can. I just got my Chemo certification, and I'm working on an in-house program that encourages personal delopment. So I might end up getting Med/surg certified or even Oncology certified. I'm also taking part in some self-governance committees and precepting a BSN student this semester....really trying to build that resume.

I really do enjoy teaching. I think one of the most fullfilling moments for me is when I explain how a medicine works or what a disease is to a patient and their family and they thank me and say I'm the first one to do that. I loved, loved, loved Patho and love explaining that type of stuff to others. I've always had a knack for explaining stuff at a "regular person" level. I used to write software user manuals and train on software applications and people told me I'm good at it.

So how much bed-side experience is enough? I've seen some positions that require 5 years (for a nurse educator). I really understand that to teach it effectively, you need to know it. But another 3 1/2 years of med/surg bedside nursing is daunting to me. I keep thinking, shouldn't my life experience count some too? Afterall, I'm 40, not 20 and people tell me all the time they can't believe I"m a new nurse because of the way I carry myself. I know I have a lot to learn still and I'm the first to seek help and advice if I'm unsure.

I just wish I could get there faster. How much experience is "enough" in your opinions?

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 13, 2010

Now I'm trying to just learn as much as I can to so I can move into one of these roles as soon as I can. I just got my Chemo certification, and I'm working on an in-house program that encourages personal delopment. So I might end up getting Med/surg certified or even Oncology certified. I'm also taking part in some self-governance committees and precepting a BSN student this semester....really trying to build that resume.
I just wish I could get there faster. How much experience is "enough" in your opinions?

First of all, I think the things that you are doing now are perfect. Keep doing those things. Get certified, get experience with teaching, being in Charge, being involved with committees and projects, etc. Look for opportunities to be involved and learn new things.

If you keep your eyes open, you might find some opportunities that don't require a graduate degree. My hospital has some staff development positions that only require a BSN. Also, you could start working on your MSN one course at a time (with your hospital paying the bills with tuition reimbursement). That way, you would keep your job, get more valuable experience while earning a paycheck and also moving forward with your education without having to take out more loans.

Personally, I started grad school after 2 years of full time work experience. I graduated with my BSN at 22 and my MSN at 26. As a new MSN, I still had a lot to learn and therefore had a rough couple of years as I was working in advanced roles with only minimum experience. I'd recommend that people get a little more experience than I did -- because most people wouldn't do well having to endure the difficulties that I experienced because of that lack of experience. But there's nothing wrong with going to grad school part time while you gain that experience.

Katie5 · Feb 13, 2010

Explain to me why making $120,000 base as CRNA is "living" the life.
That really isn't that much.
I'm being honest here.

Really? Hmmm...

Oh wait...REALLY?!!