I'm starting my NNP, need some advice from y'all!

Specialties NICU

Published

Well,

I'm putting this post here, because you all are like family, "sniff, sniff" and I've yet to meet someone on this website who is an NNP/SNNP and will answer posts.

I've realized that I want to start working on my NNP/CNS next fall, and I have a few options. I keep bouncing back and forth between some choices, and I'd appreciate some honest advice from you all.

Here's the deal:

Upon starting a program next fall, I will have 2 1/2 years experience, and upon graduating, I'll probably have a total of 5 years Level III experience before practicing as a NNP. I have the choice of staying where I am in SC, continue working in my nursery FT, and pay a reasonable amount in in-state tuition (15-20k), or moving back near my parents, get a PRN job, and go to Columbia University (Ivy League), pay $45k, while working PT and living with my parents, who are completely ok with it. (me, not so sure) I honestly don't mind staying in SC for a few more years, but the only NNP program around is an online-only program with 700 hours of clinicals 15 min away. I honestly would not feel comfortable with the level of responsibility that comes with being an NNP with all-online education. I also think I'd slack off and not learn as much. The program is also more research/leadership oriented, and while the total # of credits are more, Columbia's program is classroom based, clinicals are at world-renowned NYC hospitals, and is heavy on neonatal physiology/patho, and has a neo-specific pharm class. So basically it comes down to me being willing to take on $45k in dept, move away from my current job, and commute to school for the next 18 months while living with my family. What do you all think?:smackingf

I think I know the SC program Steve was talking about, a few of my co-workers have gone thru that program and into the NNP world. I think alot of it depends on what type of Neo's you have. I know that our Neo's quiz them constantly about different topics and give them tasks (almost like assignments) in addition to what the school requires so that helps them as well.

They are prepared to work in our NICU but since they really don't plan on going anywhere else that is fine. I don't think I would want to do that particualr program if I intended to move to a different NICU later on down the road, but then again maybe I just don't know quite enough about it.

just my 2 cents

Tina

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Hello there,

Sorry I have not been around for awhile. I work 12 hours shifts/3 x a week where I work (The day usually runs longer with sign out etc to 13+ some days). I also know of NNPs who work 10 shifts/4 x a week. It all depends on the institution you work for, some people may even work 24 hour shifts.

Yes as a new NNP I do find the job challenging at times but that is what I signed up for when I decided to become an NP. That is with any specialty. I truly do enjoy what I do.

I am actually paid hourly which works really well for me while some other NNPs I know are salaried and sometimes do not get paid for overtime, unlike myself. It all depends what the institutions does. Feel free to send me a private message with your email address included to get specific details with certain questions.

I hope that helps somewhat.

Brownbetty :-)

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Welcome back, BB!!

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Thanks, I am working on birthing a baby :)

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Oh, well I won't distract you.... push away! (Please tell me you DON'T have a birth plan..)

Birth Plan = Instant NICU admission with lots of labs and drugs.

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Specializes in women's health, NICU.

Wow, thank y'all sooo much for all ur input so far....this has really helped make things a little more clear for me! Okay, so the type of hours worked, salary pay vs. hourly pay and all of that just basically depends on the institution...I will keep y'all posted if i have anymore questions!!

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Specializes in women's health, NICU.

oh yeah, another question i have for those of y'all that are NNP's or SNNP's:

Would you say that 2 years of level 3 NICU experience is sufficient enough for success as an NNP or in the NNP program? or would 1 year be okay? I know that most programs require 2-3 years, but I am really eager to get back to school and start the program.

Also.....

As far as pay is concerned, is this field one of the "higher paying" specialties that one can work as an NP? I know that CRNA's make tons of money too, but I guess pay just comes down to how much one works (overtime if hourly paid, etc, etc, etc).

Thank y'all sooo sooo much, I love my new allnurses.com family!!!!

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Oh, well I won't distract you.... push away! (Please tell me you DON'T have a birth plan..)

Birth Plan = Instant NICU admission with lots of labs and drugs.

lol, I will be pushing in Feb or late Jan :-) No birth plan just simple request just my hubby, doc adn nurse in room. no need for a large peanut gallery. :-)

bayouchick i hope i answered all of your questions via PM

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Specializes in Level II & III NICU, Mother-Baby Unit.

Concerning missing the bedside care...

I work with a NNP who also does air transports during some of her days/nights off. She says this is where she gets her warm fuzzies relating to bedside care. I once asked her if she missed bedside care now that she is a NNP (she's been a NNP for almost 20 years) and she told me that she doesn't miss it as much as she thought she would and that the transports help her enjoy a little bedside nursing care.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Well that's comforting.... I actually really want to do air/ground transport once I graduate. I've "kind" of been offered a transport coordinator position at the last place I worked....you never know....

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Depending on the institution you may be required to do some transport as an NNP. Also, no one says that once you become an NNP you cannot do agency as an RN to get in some bedside care if that is what your heart desires. I know some who do that.

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oh yeah, another question i have for those of y'all that are NNP's or SNNP's:

Would you say that 2 years of level 3 NICU experience is sufficient enough for success as an NNP or in the NNP program? or would 1 year be okay? I know that most programs require 2-3 years, but I am really eager to get back to school and start the program.

Also.....

As far as pay is concerned, is this field one of the "higher paying" specialties that one can work as an NP? I know that CRNA's make tons of money too, but I guess pay just comes down to how much one works (overtime if hourly paid, etc, etc, etc).

Thank y'all sooo sooo much, I love my new allnurses.com family!!!!

i forgot to answer this question. I remember when I was completing my NNP program, the NCC made it a requirement for people to have 2 years experience in a Level 3 NICU before starting a NNP masters program.

Check out the website http://www.nccnet.org

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