NICU CNSs & NNPs

[nakeia]

I would like to know what were some reasons for NICU staff nurses going back to get their CNS or NP? Can any of these roles continue to provide bedside care in the NICU setting?

[babyNP., APRN]

Sure...but you probably won't get paid for it. We have a few nurses on our unit who became NNPs, didn't like the role, and went back to bedside.

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

I can only speak to the NNP role:

Luckily for me, the NNP role is one of the most bedside-oriented specialties. However instead of giving meds, treatments, feeds, etc, you are prescribing them. You are now the order-writer, but you do spend a great deal of time at the bedside assessing, placing lines, chest tubes, intubating, etc....

I went for my NNP because I wanted a better understanding of the pathophysiology behind the NICU patient. Your knowledge as an RN only goes so far, and you can only pick up so much during rounds. I am also a very task-oriented person, so learning to intubate, place chest tubes and lines has been awesome. I also desired more autonomy, and freedom from the nursing hierarchy and infighting. Instead of competing with 200 RNs for weekends off, vacations, etc, I'll have a better schedule.

NNPs are also one of the most in-demand and well-paid NP specialties.

These are just a few reasons.