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!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

You might find it difficult to obtain an NP job in a year or so because you won't be considered either a new grad or an experienced NP. How tight is your job market? I did continue to work as a staff nurse for 3 months after I became an APN because the job market was horrible.

[Ryan508]

The job market seems rather competitive, and most jobs seem to specify that they want an experienced NP. Thanks for your reply.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Personally, I think you would be better off with an NP job because when you go to get an NP job your future employer is going to ask how you kept current since you weren't working in an NP role. GOod luck.