NP School ?

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Hi all

 I'm sure this topic has been posted before. I am an RN with 7 years of experience living in Houston, TX. I work in the Texas Med Center also. I am currently in a masters program for leadership and finish in August. I am finding that leadership opportunities are very limited. Therefore, I am contemplating additional schooling for an NP post master's certificate - specifically FNP. However, I have heard that it is extremely saturated and almost "impossible" to land a job. I'm also hearing that the salary is not much different than an RN. Any Houston-based FNP's can give me insight on this? Was it worth it for you? Are you glad you did it? Did you have a hard time finding a job? Did your compensation increase or not? Moreover, what did you do to find preceptors? That's another thing I have been thinking about (having to find own preceptors). Thank you in advance!

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Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

In regards to the job field, I think it just depends on where you want to work. The few classmates I kept in touch with as well as former RN coworkers that received their FNP, most of have said that the family practice jobs are hard to come by for a new grad and that most prefer NPs with experience. When I started my search in January, there were plenty of positions in all kinds of fields, some of which were hiring even new grads such as wound care, pain clinic, VA clinics. I think the more standardized family practice and big boy specialty clinics (neuro, cardio, pulmo) want experienced NPs.

When I initially started searching in January of this year, the starting ranges of jobs here in California were quite low, like around 100k-110k where some other positions were offering sub $60/hour. One position offered me 120k/year and I thought that was pretty good as new grad so I didn't argue. Long story short, that job didn't last for me and now I am doing contract work for a significant amount more money. It all depends on where you are working. You could initially make more as an RN than an NP, but the trade off between the work is pretty different. As a bedside RN, I was working my butt off for my $55/hr (at that time), where as now, like today, the only physical thing I did was check two BPs, did some ROM, strength and nerve testing. Most of my "work" is doing the appointment and computer/brain work.

Sorry, I know I'm not in the Houston area, but felt like I could at least put a general comment on pay and job field.

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Thanks for your input! From my general searches, I see few new grad friendly openings currently, but the ones that list their pay... to be honest is Low in my opinion. But I am not sure if it is accurate at all. ??‍♀️ I don't really want to put in more clinical hours while losing time with my family if the return is low. But I do get what you are saying in terms of physical work. Thank you!

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Specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.

No problem. I will say that your current place of employment is a very great resource for MD/DO/NP preceptors if you do decide to go for your NP especially if it is a hospital or medical center. Not only that, but they will serve as possible future employment opportunities and they will also be great people to expand your network in regards to finding a job.

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The salary of Nurse Practitioners (NPs) compared to experienced Registered Nurses (RNs) can vary depending on the location, usually NP's don't make much more, if they make more, than a seasoned RN. Additionally, NPs may be required to sign a non-compete agreement, which can be unfavorable. Personally, I prefer to have a short commute of no more than 20 minutes to work. However, if I were to sign a non-compete agreement stating a 10-mile radius (crow-fly distance), which is equivalent to a 40-minute drive,  it would significantly increase my commuting time which is a no no for me. There was a company offering a contract with unreasonable clauses, such as being obligated to work farther from home for two years if I terminate the contract early or even if I complete the full two-year term; I had to pay back all the credentialing fees or any business expenses that they have paid me if I breach the contract....  which is non sense. You have to understand the contract, there are many traps. 

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iheartnursing91 said:

Thanks for your input! From my general searches, I see few new grad friendly openings currently, but the ones that list their pay... to be honest is Low in my opinion. But I am not sure if it is accurate at all. ??‍♀️ I don't really want to put in more clinical hours while losing time with my family if the return is low. But I do get what you are saying in terms of physical work. Thank you!

It most likely was true. Many NP had to take a pay cut to get their first job. Once they finish their first contract, then you negotiate for a higher salary, but I don't think it would not be 30K higher or more. You have to see more and more patients to earn that productivity money. 

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How much of a pay rise in dollars or % can one expect after finishing a contract?

Is it better to look for a job somewhere else to get a higher salary?

Mae_W said:

It most likely was true. Many NP had to take a pay cut to get their first job. Once they finish their first contract, then you negotiate for a higher salary, but I don't think it would not be 30K higher or more. You have to see more and more patients to earn that productivity money. 

 

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Hello, is anyone willing to share their experience in an NP cert program? Which programs would recommend or not recommend? What were classes like? 

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