NP for Med/Peds???

[blonde0140]

I work full time as the only nurse for a single practice Med/Peds doctor. I love him and the practice and I have really gotten to know our patients over the past 3 years. We see 70% adults and 30% kids. The doc also teaches for a med school on the side. He is hoping to retire soon and is always saying that he wishes that one of his students would come back and be in position to take the practice in about 5 years. The other day he looked at me and suggested that I go back to school to get my NP so I can take the practice and be a stable figure for our patients once a new doc comes in. I realize that I have to work under a doctor but how can I be a NP for med/peds? Do I need to pick one or the other or can I do FNP? My passion is with the kids- more specifically the newborns so if forced to choose it would be peds but then I am loosing out on the majority of our patients. I have been accepted to a fast track RN to MSN program. Any input would be helpful. Thanks!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

sounds like a perfect setting for a FNP

[BCgradnurse, MSN, RN, NP]

This sounds like an ideal FNP job. Mix of peds and adults, which I would have killed for out of school. This seems like a great opportunity for you.

[Annaiya, NP]

I agree this sounds like a great FNP job. One other comment, NPs do not work under a physician. They work under their own license and in most states have a collaberative agreement with a physician. Some states allow independent practice and in those states, you could take over the practice without needing a physician at all. (Although not something you'd want to do as an new NP.) You'll learn more about this as you go through school and look at your scope of practice. The NP role is very different from the RN role. Instead of following the doctor's orders, you are the one writing the orders. I mention this, because it's never too early to start learning the new role you're going to be taking on. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your MD, so start asking questions about how he knew to make a certain diagnosis, or why he chose one antibiotic over another. It will help you as you learn this stuff in school. Good luck!