New NP job update.

[MikeFNPC, MSN]

Ok, I'm a month into my first NP job and can say without a doubt that it was totally worth it going back to school. I'm making about 20% more in salary alone, have amazing benefits as compared to my RN job, and the level of independence is far above what I had before. The work is much easier, and I'm not having to work the weekends or bring work home every day. There is nowhere near the oversight that I had before with my documentation, and according to the coders I'm doing great. However, the best part is the one-on-one with the patient. Yes, we have that as RN's, the difference is diagnosing and treating. There's a lot to learn related to the difference in communicating as an RN and communicating as a provider with retention being more important. There's definitely a higher level of respect from just about everyone.

As a student I remember doubting my decision to go back to school and if I made the right decision. As a word of encouragement; I would reassure any students to hang in there, school is temporary. Negotiate salaries and benefits, and pick a job that you will like doing. Don't settle for a job you will end up despising due to pay, hours, or whatever else. Also, join your local NP organization, get involved with activities that support and promote the profession.

[OBigdog26, MSN, RN, NP]

That's awesome news!!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses. Pardon for any misspelled words, I blame it on auto-correct.

[anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP]

It's much more like a puzzle in some cases. Just had a patient I was thinking had a guttate psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis. The pt followed up today and I asked for one of the MD's to check things over also. He asked a couple of questions I didn't and his thoughts were pityriasis rosea (whoever said something about the Christmas tree pattern might be crazy) and Raynaud's (main discolored thing were PIP joints on same fingers on each hand). What are the odds those 2 things start within 2 weeks of each other?? After refreshing my mind about each thing I have to say it's very possible I agree.

I kept trying to connect the 2 things. At least I learned a couple of extra questions to ask! Lol

Felt a little stupid but, again, I learned something. I hate the feeling of being a novice again!

[llisamar]

Congrats Mike!!! Its good to hear feedback from an FNP just starting out in the field. I graduate next year and I look forward to taking the boards and starting in my new profession. Please continue to provide feedback and share your experiences within the first year of employment. Based on my posts I have read nurses usually stop posting after passing the boards. I am very curious to find out how smoothly new FNPs make the transition into this role without having to read research articles (Lol).

Continued success in all that you set out to accomplish!!!

[edmia, BSN, RN]

Congratulations and thanks for the update! It's encouraging to hear this is all worth it because school can be so draining.

Sent from my iPhone -- blame all errors on spellcheck

[ERNurseatheart]

Thanks Mike for your words of encouragement..It makes a difference to hear such positive words..Much success to you.

[saptam0109]

Mike,

I am thinking of relocating to San Antonio within the next few months. I currently live in Alabama, and I am very involved in the National Association of Hispanic Nurses here locally. I am currently obtaining my FNP degree from UAB. Do you know of any good clinics or specialty areas that would be interested in hiring a bilingual nurse practitioner within the next year? I have been reading your posts about how long the process takes for obtaining an APRN license. I know I would have to get a Texas RN license prior to getting my APRN. Any advice is appreciated!