Non-Clinical RN to NP

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Hello everyone, Just looking for feedback.

I have been a nurse for over 18 years but left the bedside about 10 years ago. I work in a non traditional nursing role and make over 100,000k/yr. I left the bedside because I couldn't take the politics or hours of nursing. I am now currently considering going back to get my PMHNP. There is really no more room for advancement in my current role. I have been considering going back for my NP for many years but been on the fence. I live in the northeast where the market is ok. I have worked in psych but many years ago. The cost of the program will be about 50k, I am in my 30s. Money is a factor but not all of it and I also do enjoy psych. I was also considering social work, counseling, and being a psychologist. However, I believe the PMHNP has the best ROI.

I know everyone is on the NP bandwagon but to me it will eventually balance out. When I was LPN people told me why go back to RN school it is just a couple of dollars more, then the pay gap widened and opportunities decreased for LPNs. Then those same people were now wishing they had gotten there RN. Then when I got my RN there were no jobs as the market was flooded and just the year before my RN friends were getting jobs in any specialty but then eventually jobs returned. Do you think I am being naive about becoming a NP is it worth for me at this stage in my career?

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

You seem to have made up your mind so I am unclear as to what feedback you are seeking.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

It would be wise to return to the bedside in an RN role in a mental health environment at least part time prior to enrolling.

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You sound committed to your profession and value growth and development. There are a lot of ways to look at

the options you present, as from the monetary aspect you would be wise to stay in the position you currently

work. I also took a rather non-traditional path toward becoming a NP. I started as a LPN, saw the boom and bust

of the RN experience like you said, and all along, just kept my focus. A lot of opinions along the way, but every step

was meant to get me where I am. One thing I do advise if you decide on the NP route, get experience in your mental

health field of interest as a nurse if you can. I am a relatively new NP (graduated in May, 2018) and I got my job

because of my focused experience. It's my interest. I am already sitting on hiring panels for my group, and I cannot

even put in words what this means. That, and attend a school which is established with a brick-and-mortar regardless

of whether it's online. Do your own thing and take this time to have your resume reflect your focus of interest as a future

NP. Can you tell I advise NP?:)

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Absolutely no!!! You are not naive at all!!! If you have the time, the money, and the drive to go back to school, please be my guest!!!

It will pay for itself in no time. In addition, don't be affraid of the competition... embrace it!!!

You had the same competition as staff RN!! Look at all surveys.. the psychiatrist shortage is real. Where I work, patients(with commercial insurance) have to wait for 2-3 months for non-urgent office visits... Patients from underserved area have to travel out of state for treatment!!! And last $$$$ is way better!!!!

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There is a real shortage of psychiatrists and PMHNPs. If this is what you want then I say go for it.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to student forum for other opinions.

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