Looking back, would you obtain NP credential??

Specialties NP

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For the NPs out there, looking back, would you do it all over again? Ie. Go to NP school, study hard, etc...The realization that there will have to be sacrifices, etc, going back to school with a family is there. I would like to hear from others with families that were able to successfully go back to school, get their NP and are now praciticing? Would you change anything? If so, what?

I'm just a few months in and the NP role definitely has its challenges BUT there's never been a day where I've regretted the decision even with the stresses of the transition. With that being said the first 6 months to a year of a career are usually the hardest and if my start hasn't made me think "what have I done" then I see a GREAT future ahead! It is so very rewarding to be a Peds NP.. now if I went the FNP route (for marketability) and had to deal with "big people" I'm sure my response would be VERY different by now lol :nailbiting:

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No regrets. 10 years on more than worth it intellectually, monetarily, and overall satisfaction. I love what I do and feel I am good at it. A lot of autonomy as well. A challenge at first, but love what I do.

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Would absolutely do it again. Just wish I had done it a little quicker. Started out as an LPN at 30. Worked, went to school and repeat. I am now 57 and have been an NP 5 years. It's worth it if for nothing else to be able to take care of my family. It's great not having to go to thw ER anymore when someone needs stitches!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Thanks for posting your opinions. I am about to start an online program. I chose online for two reasons - one so I continue to work full time during the day (until I get to the clinicals) and the other is because there is only one college locally that offers the program and there is a long waiting list for it. I am looking forward to being a NP and I am glad to know there are NPs who feel it was a good decision to make the sacrifices to get the credential.

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Specializes in Pain, critical care, administration, med.

I am the happiest I have been in years in my career. It took me a long time but no regrets!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I think it is great to do an online program if that is what fits your needs. Personally, I finish my first master's degree with an FNP in 9 weeks, and I am transitioning directly into a DNP program where I am getting a post-master's in acute care along the way. All of my schoolwork s/p associate's degree has been online, and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I do not deny that it is not for everyone, but it certainly has its place.

In terms of people speaking against online/for-profit programs, I believe the criticism is a bit too generalized. Each program has to be evaluated on its own merits and shortcomings. It is a bit naive to think that if a school is for profit it is somehow beneath a nonprofit school. Even state schools are very concerned about money, just ask any professor who has to juggle teaching with bringing in grants/funds. All of the schools I have/am attending are state schools, but I don't think that makes my program any better or worse than any other based solely upon that fact. I looked at reviews, how programs are run, and a lot of other factors.

Good luck with your program.

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I have just accepted my first position as a FNP and have not started working as of yet so take my comments with a grain of salt. I have just accepted my first position as a FNP taking over a rural practice. As a new graduate, I am scared to death. I was actually encouraged by a physician that I have known working at the local hospital to take the position. This and the fact that the doctors who have hired me trust me with their patients has really helped me see the respect that physicians are growing for APRNs. The physician who hired me said he wanted me to view myself as in charge of the office staff with no one being above me, and a partner with the physicians (he bought the practice from my supervising physician). Is this not what we want as APRNs, the respect from our counterparts to be seen as providers and not as support staff? I know that this journey will be new and I definitely have a steep learning curve ahead. But to answer your question, as a single parent who has spent the last seven years in school between RN and NP, I definitely am glad to have a job with "bank" hours with no call or weekends. I am also EXTREMELY glad to have the autonomy and respect that I feel I lacked as a registered nurse no matter how well I did my job.

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WHAT Master's FNP program is only 9 week?

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I think it is great to do an online program if that is what fits your needs. Personally, I finish my first master's degree with an FNP in 9 weeks, and I am transitioning directly into a DNP program where I am getting a post-master's in acute care along the way. All of my schoolwork s/p associate's degree has been online, and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I do not deny that it is not for everyone, but it certainly has its place.

In terms of people speaking against online/for-profit programs, I believe the criticism is a bit too generalized. Each program has to be evaluated on its own merits and shortcomings. It is a bit naive to think that if a school is for profit it is somehow beneath a nonprofit school. Even state schools are very concerned about money, just ask any professor who has to juggle teaching with bringing in grants/funds. All of the schools I have/am attending are state schools, but I don't think that makes my program any better or worse than any other based solely upon that fact. I looked at reviews, how programs are run, and a lot of other factors.

Good luck with your program.

If your FNP took only 9 weeks I am terrified. That's absolutely ridiculous and I don't think anyone should be allowed to practice with a 9 week medical education.

If you meant 9 months...honestly that's not much better.

..

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

She is completing her FNP in 9 weeks, and returning to school for a post masters in ACNP and a DNP as well. Good grief.

OP, yes I would do it again, both the FNP and the ONP, as well as the DNP (which is not at all as it is described by those whom have not begun, much less completed one, lol). I don't know any NPs with regrets about their career choice. It is a great career. I disagree that the NP professional image is being "ruined." In fact, in my experience (as in, I actually have some and therefore know what I'm talking about, vs pulling opinions out of my...) it is exactly the opposite. I have received nothing but support and respect from patients and colleagues alike. Our position is health care as first line providers is affirmed and it is only going to get better.

I agree with the suggestion to shadow a NP.

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She is completing her FNP in 9 weeks, and returning to school for a post masters in ACNP and a DNP as well. Good grief.

Ha ha, thanks BlueDevil. +1 for your reading comprehension :)

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The reason I posted my initial question/thread is because I have wanted to become a nurse practicioner for many years, but life got in the way. I finally decided to apply to an FNP program in November to finally try and make it happen and found out I was pregnant shortly after the new year. After speaking with my husband, I've decided to defer and start in 2015 and wanted to see what others had to say about obtaining their NP. I currently make a great living, salary-wise, but do not feel fulfilled. I'm hoping by obtaining this degree, this will happen...just wanted to get the input of others that have put the work in. It just seems like it's going to be a lot harder doing it with a caring for a young child. Obviously, being single and completing this that way would have been the objective...

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