NP but decided not to practice

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I am wondering if anyone here has finished NP school but decided not to practice as an NP...

I have just finished an FNP program at a top-rated school. During the FNP program, I just felt like I did not love what I was doing and always felt like I didn't know enough. While my classmates seemed so confident, I always felt uneasy and anxious.

I have been on multiple interviews now (women's health, primary care offices, specialty clinics i.e. pain, dialysis) and I can't imagine myself working on my own and seeing my own patients. I know that there is some on the job training involved but the clinics all seem to expect their NPs (even new grad ones) to know what they are doing.

I have also interviewed for an RN position and have been offered the job - it's a Clinic RN Case Manager position which is what I was doing previous to NP school. I know I can do it and I would feel comfortable doing it... I want to take it but I also feel like such a failure accepting the RN job!

has anyone else completed the NP program and decided not to practice voluntarily (not because they couldn't find a job)?

Thanks for any insight, experiences anyone can share

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I felt the same way when I graduated NP school. After 6-12 months I felt much more confident and am glad I took the risk. You learned so much at school and perhaps have passed the certification exam at this point. Proof that you can do the work. I think you owe it to yourself to take a NP position. Find a job where you think there will be a lot of support. Where the other NPs or MDs will be available. Don't give up before trying.

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Another 2-3000 hrs of clinicals and more sciences you would feel prepared that's the issue with online NP programs.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

There are days I wish I hadn't chosen this route - many in fact - for reasons I can't get into.

However, I have learned a tremendous amt.

I think the key is a solid orientation. Mine was approx 5 months - it took forever to get the credentialing done at the hospitals.

I've been out of school now 5 years and I still ask questions.

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Specializes in Anesthesia, Pain, Emergency Medicine.

Jasil,

I don't see where she said it was an online program. There are some very good online NP programs, btw.

Also, are you a NP?

Another 2-3000 hrs of clinicals and more sciences you would feel prepared that's the issue with online NP programs.
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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

I will be graduating this time next year with my BSN and I'm already planning that I would like to have 2 years experience before going for my NP. I was concerned that I would have the same feelings as the OP. Are these feelings that was expressed natural, no matter how many previous RN experience you've had?

This similar topic came up in my BSN program and since its an accelerated program all us have previous degrees. Some have already decided they're going straight into a MSN program after graduation without working as a nurse for the experience. I tried to explain that may not be a wise decision because it'll be the first time working in the field, especially being that it is an NP position.

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I just want to thank everyone for replying. I guess the sample here is a little skewed most people here are either practicing NPs or want to be NPs.

It is comforting to hear that most new grads have doubts about their ability to practice as an NP... I hope it gets better but I am so terrified of making a mistake!

I could probably be a little more choosy in my applications and make sure that there are other mid-levels in the group and they have experience with new grad NPs before applying. The places I have interviewed so far are either 1) practices with only MDs [or only one NP] or 2) individual MD practices looking to expand , both sites which intimidate me greatly!

Also, I went to a normal NP school with in-class lectures and plenty of clinical hours where they arranged it for me and I've been a nurse for 5 years already.

thank you again for all the replies.

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Specializes in ..

You owe it to yourself to take the chance. If we all stayed within our comfort zone nothing would ever change or advance. There is nothing wrong with being careful, but don't sell yourself short.

Think of it this way:

Getting your RN = getting married. You know the person, but this is a leap of faith.

Getting NP = having children. Your're 5 years in, you know you love your mate but having kids will change things.

Five years later? There will be days the kid will drive you nuts, but you can't imagine being without them.

Your NP education will may make you a better nurse, and your nursing experience will serve you well as an NP.

Ask yourself, "Do I fear failure or do I fear success?" The only thing worse than being afraid to try is not trying and wishing you had.

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Specializes in medical surgical.

You could give yourself a time limit and see how well you adjust. I know some NP's at our hospital that also pick up hours doing the RN gig.

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Yep online programs have nothing to do with anything. I read the other day where medical schools are finally catching up with the modern world.

Just jump in. You'll be running into patients all your life that will be a challenge. Your real learning starts after you graduate. I went straight out of school into locums where you are expected to hit the ground running and act like you know what you are doing. I'm pretty good at acting!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.

I think the consensus in my FNP class was that we all needed more training and more clinical time with the PTs. I also remember the exact same discussions when speaking with my ADN classmates so many years ago when we were about to graduate.

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Yep online programs have nothing to do with anything. I read the other day where medical schools are finally catching up with the modern world.

Just jump in. You'll be running into patients all your life that will be a challenge. Your real learning starts after you graduate. I went straight out of school into locums where you are expected to hit the ground running and act like you know what you are doing. I'm pretty good at acting!

Bologna with a capital B!!!! Maybe the $$$ online programs with video lecture, streaming where you can ask questions, but many or better yet most online programs are "read, write, submit"!! My two best friends went to med school my wife is in NP school no and I mean no comparison at all.

I'll have to get my wife to chime in.........she dreams of med school or even PA school this nursing theory is driving her freaking nuts. Where are the clinical hours and sciences to actually understand the disease??

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