Maintain clinical skills working 1 day/week as FNP?

Cacahuatote · Jun 29, 2014

Hello all,

I have an interesting situation and would like some feedback on it by FNPs in the field. I am currently a CRNA. I am considering going back to school to become a FNP, not because I don't like anesthesia (I love it) but because of the following reasons:

1) I love to learn (I'm a nerd).

2) I would like to be able to work in both capacities. I used to manage a free medical clinic and really enjoyed working in that kind of setting.

3) I like doing medical expeditions in other countries and would like to be able to provide service as either a CRNA or FNP.

4) I can work part of the week as a CRNA and part as an FNP, providing variety to my career and preventing burnout down the road.

5) I am fluent in Spanish and would like to focus on the Hispanic population at one of my local community clinics.

I am considering applying to Frontier and have the following question for debate:

To start out with, I would like to work one day a week as an FNP and 4 as a CRNA. From what I understand, it takes a little bit to feel comfortable in your new role after graduation. So, do you think that I would be able to be a competent FNP and keep up on my skills only working that much from the beginning? If I started out full-time initially and then went to one day a week I could see how it would be easy to maintain my skills but what if I start out only working one day a week right out of school?

Sorry for the long explanation. I would really enjoy some feedback on this. I have been debating it in my mind for quite some time now. Just want to see you you all think.

Thanks everyone!