New RN looking for more info on FNP

[LisaCarr90]

I just graduated as a nurse in December 2013 and I started working as a resource pool nurse for PCU ICU in April. I love it, but I miss learning and since the hospital I work at will pay for you to get your NP I am interested in getting my FNP. Can anyone give me more info on nursing vs. NP as far as what they do? I know the basics, but I was looking for more in depth. Also, I was wondering about boards for becoming an NP are they worse than the NCLEX? Any info would be helpful. Thanks so much!!

[FLarnpAli]

Well the first thing that you would have to do is decide if you would want to stay in the hospital or not. There are different NP programs based upon what tract you are interested in (example- Acute care vs FNP). I am an FNP and I can see patients of any age, but I work entirely outpatient. As for the boards, I wouldn't worry about those. The more challenging part is making it through school and clinicals. This can be especially challenging (but certainly not impossible, because nearly everyone that I went to school did this) if you decide to go to school while you are working as an RN. Good luck!