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Discussion

NICU RN to FNP?

So here's my situation. I started out as a new grad last year in a different department and hated it, so I was able to switch to my dream unit: the NICU. I've been working as a NICU RN for a few months and absolutely love it!... mostly. The only thing I don't like is not getting a lunch break when we're busy (which is half the time), but that seems like a norm for most nurses. I enrolled in an FNP program on one of those really frustrating days when I was HANGRY just to see if I'd be accepted... and I was. At first I was excited for the change, and anticipating the future. The major pull to be an FNP was to get to eat lunch more days than not, hopefully not work as many weekends, normal business hours (depending on where you work) and no night shift! Also, the bump and pay with less physical work was attractive.

However, now that I've started classes I'm not feeling as certain about my choice... Am I making the right decision? I really like the NICU, but I feel like taking these few years to get my FNP would be setting me up nicely for my future... allowing me to have more regular hours with my family/friends.

Has anyone been in this situation? What did you do? What decision would you make in this example when a way of life is driving you to a decision rather than a genuine love? Ugh... not sure if this is more of a rant or question post...

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    The major pull to be an FNP was to get to eat lunch more days than not, hopefully not work as many weekends, normal business hours (depending on where you work) and no night shift!

    To play the devil's advocate, I have a friend who just started at an outpatient general peds clinic as a new grad PNP. To accomplish all of the work she needs to get done (including staying late to finish up paperwork), she's working Monday through Friday from 7AM until about 6 or 7PM (so 11-12 hr days), plus taking call on some weekends. She frequently eats lunch at her desk or grabs a snack between patients. She's salaried, but she explained that if you calculated her hourly pay she'd actually make more per hour as an RN (since she'd be working a 36 hour week instead of a 60 hour week). I'm not sure if that's the norm, but it's within the realm of possibility.

    I'm sure that your workload will depend on your workplace expectations, regardless of whether you're an NP or an RN. I've seen some NICU nurses run their butts off, and I've watched others read books, knit sweaters, and buy shoes and airline tickets online during their shift.

    My bigger question would be: what do you enjoy doing? Would you be happier continuing in the NICU, or doing office consults? They're such vastly different nursing roles, and it's a question that only you can answer.

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