Is it normal to feel this way? ;)

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So, I have *finally* made the decision to start an FNP program this fall. This comes after a few years of thinking about which road to take - NP vs. PA vs. MD vs. PharmD, etc.

Now that the decision is made...and now that I'm getting ready to write a check to my school for this semester's classes...I feel like I'm standing on the plank, with pirates behind me and sharks below me. And, no, these pirates are neither Johnny Depp nor Orlando Bloom. ;)

This is normal...right?

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Specializes in mostly in the basement.

Well, sorry I can't tell ya that because I'm still hanging out safely on that same deck w/what appears to be an ever growing jug 'o Pusser's rum! Y'know, all the better for the clarity for these ever changing aspirations:)

Safe swimming and I'll be eager to hear how things go for you. Sometimes just making a decision feels good in itself though, right? Right?

asks the weenie with the growing sunburn......

Good luck ERNurse72!!!!

ps...would it help to remember that most NP schools first 9 or so credits will transfer to other NP specialties if such a need should arise? Baby steps, you're commiting to a semester and not a lifetime if that makes it any easier?

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"Normal"... what an interesting word.

I think "typical" and "not unexpected" might be more accurate.

From someone who has changed careers more often than my son changes underwear in a week, enjoy the experience. You can change paths in the future if need be. Have fun!

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ERNURSE--I am so glad that you feel wishy-washy too. I am a school nurse for 1500 kids--love the hours--love the kids--but don't see doing it forever. I start in a couple of weeks--and somedays--I am so psyched--some days--scared to death. I have 3 kids, a full time job, and a hubby that travels. I think my thoughts are--What if the market has changed in two years and I've wasted the family's time and money? or Is it feasible with my family schedule?:nurse:....I have a very coveted job in my town--sometimes I think somethings wrong with me for wanting something different. Anyway--we will go through this together. My first year is online--then 800 clinical hours afterwards the next year. Best of Luck.

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I would think its definitely "normal" to feel some apprehension before making any major life changes. I wouldn't really sweat it. You're bettering yourself! Congrats.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Change brings apprehension. The unknown is frought with danger - lol. When I went into nursing, it was a second career for me. Now that I'm an APN, I'm thinking of switching jobs after 2 years in my first APN position. Like you, I'm wondering what to do.

I think the nervousness makes us sharper. Good luck in school.

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I feel the same way. I just started classes this summer, and now suddenly find myself not enjoying this. Since grad school was my goal for many years, I have no idea why I'm now so lackluster about it.

Is it really worth it to become an NP? Do they really love their jobs? Anyone regret becoming an NP? That's what I really want to know right now.

Plagued with doubts. Yet seriously dislike bedside nursing, so can't imagine staying one forever.

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Change brings apprehension. The unknown is frought with danger - lol. When I went into nursing, it was a second career for me. Now that I'm an APN, I'm thinking of switching jobs after 2 years in my first APN position. Like you, I'm wondering what to do.

I think the nervousness makes us sharper. Good luck in school.

are you happy about the decision to become an np? or would you have changed any prior career decisions, if you could?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I actually am an adult health CNS, not an NP. However, in IL the nurse practice act doesn't differentiate between CNS/NP. I am happy as an APN. However, I really like bedside ER care too. I did not go back to school to get out of pt care.

My reason for going back to school was that I needed/wanted more flexibility as I got older. I graduated in 2006 at the age of 48 and knew I had more options to maximize my retirement savings as an APN than as an RN.

Yes, I would have changed several things:

1. I would have gotten a BSN when I decided to initially return to school for nursing (at the age of 32). Instead I did an LPN, than ADN because my husband moved frequently (military).

2. I would have gone back for my grad degree sooner - did it in 2002 at the age of 44.

3. Would have decided BEFORE I went back to school what I wanted to do - lol. I first did a non-clinical MSN (management and leadership) and then decided ooops, I hate management and can't take a pay cut to be an educator. So, back to school for a post-MSN CNS.

4. I would have gone the FNP route because that is more marketable in my area.

Do your homework and make sure there are jobs that you want to do before doing school.

Good luck.

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Specializes in family practice.

Taking on more responsibility (school) now and anticipating the stress of being a student again-especially clinicals was sure stressful for me. I had been a student for years because I got ADN when I was 20 and just kept plugging along. I finished my NP at the age of 41. It was still stressful, but I loved the experience. I'm happy in my role as a family NP, and no knowledge and experience is ever a waste. Best advice I can give is to take a deep breath (okay-many deep breaths), take good care of yourself and enjoy the ride. Did someone mention rum? :chuckleIf you have a family, you might give them full warning, too. It was a big sacrifice for everyone. I took a cut in pay going from an experienced RN to a new NP, but that situation improved with time.

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Specializes in Pulmonology/Critical Care, Internal Med.

I'm a ACNP/RNFA student in my third semester of NP school. I remember when I first started. I had just graduated with my BSN, JUST moved, JUST started a new job, and JUST started grad school. All in the same month!!! Talk about a plank. So far I do not regret doing what I'm doing. I know that this will open up doors and let me do what I really want to do. I choose ACNP over the FNP only because I have no desire to learn about pregnant women and the process that they go through. I also believe, and this is just my belief, that since I wish to work in critical care type areas MICU/SICU/NeuroICU/ER/OR that the ACNP/RNFA is more practical for me. I don't realy care to see children, but in various states even though I'm an adult, certain adolescents classify as adults (15/16 yr old). If I find that I need to work with children or gasp (pregnant women) I can always go back and get my FNP so I can get those skills. There is also the possibility of doing the Pediatric/Adolescent Acute Care NP program as an add on as well. But I know that overall I really wish to work in a critical care area.

SO yes its normal to feel that way.

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No Orlando Bloom, no Johnny Depp ... heck, I can't even see a boat!

Like you, I thought about this decision long and hard. I sat down and scribbled on pieces of paper for hours trying to figure out how to work, go to school, sleep, eat and see my family. I thought I had it all worked out. I collected the transcripts [no easy task!], send the application, printed up a vitae ... and it is all for nothing because I can't get the stupid recommendations!

Just 3 little letters - that's all. No big deal, right? I am well liked, well qualified and well credentialed. I just need 3 little letters, preferably from MSN or higher nurses or from doctors. I just can't believe that this is all that stands in my way!

I asked my MSN Vice President of Nursing - who doesn't know me at all and my MSN Nursing Educator who barely knows me. Neither of them will commit. Heck, I can't really blame them. But they are the only MSNs at my very small hospital so I moved on to non-MSNs.

I asked my BSN nurse manager and she initially said 'yes' but then she started talking about how I was asking her to help me replace her. Huh? She can't go any higher with the hospital without an MSN and she isn't going to go back to school - her choice. If I get an MSN - any MSN - she knows that the hospital will show me preference over her. EXCEPT I am not going into management! If anything, I am actually asking her to help me leave the unit. She doesn't see it that way.

I asked my dear friend of 17 years [with a PhD in Education, not nursing] to write a recommendation and she initially said 'yes' but then she started talking about how I am 'wasting my opportunity if full time teaching isn't the ultimate goal.' Huh? I am teaching people every day! I teach patients, staff ... myself! Why do I have to be on a faculty or behind a desk to be doing something important? She doesn't see it that way.

Then, and this was the biggest shocker, one of the doctors at the hospital offered to write a glowing recommendation for me ... with a catch. You see, he wants me to quit the hospital, work for him while I am going to school and then sign on with him as soon as I am an NP. Huh? This sounded just a little 'creepy.' Besides, he goes through staff like water down a drain - I am not signing up for that!

So, here I sit with ONE of the three letters I need [thank goodness for one former instructor from BSN!], feeling embarrassed and foolish. These are the people that I thought knew me best and would be the most supportive. No one says I am not smart enough, no one says I am not mature or responsible or dedicated - they just say that they want me to do what THEY want me to do or they aren't inclined to help. I never expected this!

AAaarrgh! :bugeyes:

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