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Still researching whether I want to become an NP & am now looking at some programs that have set me thinking so these are fairly general questions to help guide me.

Ive seen a couple of programs that offer a dual track of FNP and Adult / Gero, and also one that has dual FNP / Pysch.

Especially with a Pysch focus........will you be hirable if you never did psych in your career (except ED).

Im looking at what will be most lucrative, both in pay and benefits, but also in variety of jobs. My wife is not keen on me doing NP at all, so I'm looking to make sure I have the greatest options available. Is a dual program worth the effort? Is it very hard to change specialities in future?

Im not certain what interests me most, but my background is mostly ED/Flight transport so working in an ED as an FNP is what most attracts me right now, but Im also thinking I have compassion for the mentally ill, and its a completely different area of care that would therefore be challenging..........but is it realistic of me with 25 years in nursing other than that?

Much bigger question - how did you know you were ready for the role of an NP. After being a "regular RN" of 25 years Im wondering if I would really like the day to day work and role. Im sure its a very big change........how did you adapt? Anyone have big regrets? Thanks in advance.

Felix

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I'm sorry I can't be of much help. I am a much newer nurse than you, having graduated and gotten licensed in 2013, and this past May I got my BSN. I feel like an underachiever watching everyone go for the MSN for various areas. I just feel that I need more actual clinical experience before I take on that kind of responsibility. I don't know why your wife doesn't support what you want to do. For me, I want to gain experience and knowledge, as well as letting myself have a break from school!

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Because I trained as an RN in the UK.........and was forced to spend most of the last 3 years doing my BSN because the USA doesnt recognize my UK education. She is very keen for me to be out of school seeing as Im doing 20hours school a week on top of a FT job, and we have 5 kids. I was NEVER interested in getting my BSN, let alone MSN, but economic realities are such that I realized I was becoming unemployable despite being an RN x 25 years. Becoming an NP is about extending and remaining employable because after 25yrs of bedside nursing theres not much option to advance. My current employer is now mandating MSNs to advance up the clinical ladder.............not to mention having to feed 5 children........

Felix

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Specializes in Surgery.

It's a big investment in both time and money to decide to go to NP school. I didn't fully realize what I was getting myself into! I was an 'regular' RN for 15 years and it was combination of wanting more autonomy, having several friends that were going through NP programs, and just being ready to try something new in my career.

I'd suggest shadowing a few NPs, maybe Primary, Psych and an ED practitioner to get a feeling of what they each do on a daily basis. I can't give advice on a dual degree. IMO it's safer to do a FNP program unless you're 100% sure of where you want to be.

Also, you may be in for a rude awakening in terms of salary for a new grad NP if you've been an RN for 25 years..

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I never worked in psych, and I became a psych NP. On that note, I have the best psych NP job in my state too. No exaggeration.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Where did you see the school with a dual FNP/psych?

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University of TN for one, but thats not the only one. Thanks for your responses, and as for salary after 25 years being lower as an NP that better not be true but from what Ive read won't be. My salary now is $55K , the lowest Ive made in 10 years.

Felix

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I am an LPC. I am half way through my RN. I know I want to be a Psych NP. I have a BS and an MA in Counseling Psych. . What would be my shortest route to my goal? This is a career change and I don't want to be in school any longer than necessary. I will move anywhere. Thanks

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.
I'm sorry I can't be of much help. I am a much newer nurse than you, having graduated and gotten licensed in 2013, and this past May I got my BSN. I feel like an underachiever watching everyone go for the MSN for various areas. I just feel that I need more actual clinical experience before I take on that kind of responsibility. I don't know why your wife doesn't support what you want to do. For me, I want to gain experience and knowledge, as well as letting myself have a break from school!

Don't feel like an underachiever! There's nothing wrong with getting several years of experience before progressing on. It's actually recommended and respected by many. You know yourself best, anyway.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
Still researching whether I want to become an NP & am now looking at some programs that have set me thinking so these are fairly general questions to help guide me.

Ive seen a couple of programs that offer a dual track of FNP and Adult / Gero, and also one that has dual FNP / Pysch.

Especially with a Pysch focus........will you be hirable if you never did psych in your career (except ED).

Im looking at what will be most lucrative, both in pay and benefits, but also in variety of jobs. My wife is not keen on me doing NP at all, so I'm looking to make sure I have the greatest options available. Is a dual program worth the effort? Is it very hard to change specialities in future?

Im not certain what interests me most, but my background is mostly ED/Flight transport so working in an ED as an FNP is what most attracts me right now, but Im also thinking I have compassion for the mentally ill, and its a completely different area of care that would therefore be challenging..........but is it realistic of me with 25 years in nursing other than that?

Much bigger question - how did you know you were ready for the role of an NP. After being a "regular RN" of 25 years Im wondering if I would really like the day to day work and role. Im sure its a very big change........how did you adapt? Anyone have big regrets? Thanks in advance.

Felix

As far as lucrative jobs go, psych is one of the best right now (along with CRNAs) but it is difficult work as I am sure some of our members will tell you. There are other good jobs out they as far as money goes you just have to find them.

If you are looking for the best financial option, it won't be a dual program. You could always go back later and get a post-masters if you wanted to change paths, it is not very hard to do.

If your background is ED/Flight than the FNP role in the ED is probably not going to excite you as most FNPs in urban and suburban hospitals work in the fast track. You could look at the ENP programs, but even with an ENP, you won't be running the high-acuity patients, the MD/DOs will. You also could end up with an NP flight job which might be more your style but is really a niche market.

Only you know if you are ready after 25 years! I always tell people "do it for the role not the money". You have to want the role because with it comes more risk, more responsibility, and probably more sleepless nights. I have zero regrets.

Good luck.

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What about the Acute NP program? They work in many different hospital settings and I believe they can work in psych too but not 100% sure on that but it seems more in line with the ED.

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