NP job vs. RN job?

[Ryan508]

Hi,

I graduated from my NP program this past August and am scheduled to take the ANCC NP exam in December. While I am hoping to eventually get an NP job, I have recently been offered a RN position with good benefits and a great salary (higher than most new NPs in this area seem to make, according to the few I've spoken to). I am wondering if it would be a mistake to continue working as a RN and hold off on pursuing a job as an NP for awhile (possibly a year or so). Although I would rather work as an NP, this RN job would start soon (which would be very helpful due to outstanding grad school debt); I am guessing I wouldn't be able to secure a job as an NP until early next year at the earliest (and that is contingent on passing the exam!).

Is it detrimental to my future career as an NP to continue working as an RN for awhile? Will it affect my clinical skills (and everything I just learned in NP school?). Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!