NP + Job Satisfaction?

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Hi, everyone!

I'm wondering how happy NPs are with their jobs. For the current NPs out there, if you had the option of snapping your fingers and doing something else with your life, would you? I'm grappling with a very tough decision (I'm not a nurse currently), and just am looking for some insight from those of you who are already in the trenches, so to speak!

Thanks for your help!

K

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi Kensington - I'm a clinical nurse specialist - another type of APN. I was an RN for 14 years before I became an APN. I am very happy with my choice. I loved working as a staff nurse and still would love to do it. However, as an APN, my job is much more autonomous and I have much more impact on patient's care than I did as a staff nurse. I am very happy with my decision.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Hello, Kensington,

Very satisfied with my career as NP.

I think we all go through many "what ifs" in our lives. I know I did. Once considered med school and was accepted only to finally decide that I wanted to stay right where I was.

Now, I have a new career direction (still do NP, too) and think, "snap fingers" again.

But, overall, I am quite satisfied.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Overall, satisfied as well. Love the autonomy and the ability to do more for the patient. Pay could be better but compared to state average as far as pay scale, mine's not that bad at all. Work hours aren't great but that's the nature of the specialty I chose so I can't complain.

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Specializes in Peds Urology,primary care, hem/onc.

Great question. I am a pediatric urology NP and I was a nurse for 6 years before I went back to school. I love what I do and it really suits my personality and skills. I love the autonomy, managing the care of my patients etc. I would not change a thing!

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Specializes in Nurse Practitioner/CRNA Pain Mgmt.

Hi,

I recently became a CRNA. Fortunately, I had a great opportunity to work both as an NP in Pain Management and as a CRNA for the same organization. I love it! I work 2 days a week as an NP in the Pain Clinic (doing blocks, patient consults, follow-ups etc) and 3 days a week as a CRNA in the O.R.

I wouldn't have imagined in my days as a student anesthetist that I would be able to work as an NP and CRNA in the same field! As far as I know, I am the first dual-role APN in the state I currently live in. It's great to start a bench mark for APNs!

Vince.

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Thank you guys, for your responses! I really need to decide what I'm doing, and I do think that I would be happy as an NP, so I'm really glad to hear that you are, too! :)

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