Need Advice...Please help me*

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 10, 2006

Hello, level1 trauma RN,

Have you considered working as an RN for a while in a couple of specialty areas other than the ED to see if this generates interest in areas that would support your securing the FNP specialty? Might help in the decision process.

You need to see what the area where you will live will support. Weigh the pros and cons of each specialty track. You might do the FNP for you can always do a post grad certificate later in another specialty.

Good luck.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 10, 2006

Hi and welcome. I worked at a level one trauma center in central IL for 10 years and loved it. I do feel your pain. It really takes a couple of years to feel comfortable in a level one.

I do agree with Siri - you want to make yourself as marketable as possible without being in a narrow focus. How many years until your husband is done? That might help your decide the order of events too.

I know you are a new nurse, but after a year or so, you might want to branch out and try something new, maybe even just shadowing another RN in another unit. I know that my ER experience has really helped my assessment skills for my patients now. I know when there is an emerency and when something can wait. I will always be grateful to the ER for those skills.

You need to also consider since your husband might not get the residency he first requests, that you want to be as employable as possible. My ER does not hire mid-levels because they want the residents to have the widest experiences possible. (I don't agree with this policy but of course must abide by it). So...maybe an FNP would give you more marketability, especially if you move.

Hope this helps.