Is NP really worth it?

[Le-Lee_FNP]

Just feeling a little overwhelmed right now and would like to hear from all the NPs. Do you enjoy your job now significantly more than when you were a RN? If so, what is it about being a NP that makes you happy you pursued it opposed to staying a RN? I have been questioning lately whether or not I have it in me to do this and if it is worth the stress. Right now all i see is more time away from my family (constant reading and studying) and time constraints/assignments that seem impossible to complete, with little to no help from my instructors. I think most of my frustration is with my particular program, but that's a whole different story.

I guess I just want to hear from NPs if you all felt that becoming an APN has caused you to be a lot happier with your career and given you greater job satisfaction? I personally am not doing it for the money because i make great money working for my agency (have my husbands bennies) and really won't be making much, if any more per hour than what i already make now. But I would also be lying if i said that I absolutely LOVE beside nursing and want to do it FOREVER. I think it is an important and humbling career, but I guess I have always seen myself wanting to do more (not degrading those that stay at the bedside by the way).

[allennp]

As Captain Crab says "Mother of Pearl"!!!! heck yes I am happy. I had a mild epiphany and went back to school to be a ARNP. Hard work, stressful on my life and my family, and worth every minute of the pain and suffering without a single question. Do it, Keep at it, keep showing up, do not quit, do it!!!

a

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

Yeah, what allennp said....have never regretted it for a moment!