Np student unsure

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I've been in an np program primary care for a year now...I'm not sure if I want to be an np anymore...I'm really excited about research but found out the curriculum doesn't have much courses on this...I'm not so thrilled with just direct care...can I be an NP and work as a research nurse or am I wasting my time staying in the NP program? I saw research nurse positions at my hospital and they all look so interesting, but the hours are 9 to 5 making it hard to study part time...

i wish I waited before enrolling into the np program...any advice? Thanks...

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

There are some MSN degrees with a research focus. A quick Google search gave me a couple:

Accredited MSN in Clinical Trials Research | Drexel Online

Clinical Research Administration MSN Option (Discontinued) | SON | School of Nursing | The George Washington University (discontinued...sorry....but might give you some ideas)

Anyway if you want to further your education perhaps looking into a PhD would be better for you? Those are usually more research/education focused rather than clinical focus like the NP or DNP.

Some of your core graduate nursing classes may also apply to the PhD degree. Not sure...but you never know.

I would just make sure to be FULLY sure of the change before I left the NP program. Not saying you aren't going to be sure...but I'm someone who always second guesses myself and I have so many interests it's hard for me to choose exactly where I want to wind up (hence why I went with FNP....if I wind up with a post-master's I have a good base with all age groups).

Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you want to be a primary researcher - you'll need either a PhD or DNSc. The requirements for 'research nurse' positions vary, depending upon the responsibilities of the position which may run the gamut from simply collecting data to performing assessments or educating participants. FWIW, I know quite a few primary care NPs that are very disillusioned with their career choice. Clinic work can be very boring and repetitive.

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