NP vs RN workload

Trauma Columnist · Apr 25, 2015

Totally agree. I work way more than 40 hrs and have no opportunity for OT. I'm too afraid to figure out how much I really make per hour but am sure it's less than my RN pay.

Sign me....looking for a new job....

Jules A, MSN · Apr 25, 2015

Totally agree. I work way more than 40 hrs and have no opportunity for OT. I'm too afraid to figure out how much I really make per hour but am sure it's less than my RN pay.
Sign me....looking for a new job....

Not sure if this will help you but I have always worked multiple jobs. It allows me to charge a premium rate at the places where I don't get benefits. I also pick up weekends and holidays whenever possible which jack my base way up. Although I'm working a ton of hours without hardly any down time during my shifts at least I'm making great money. Good luck with your job search!!

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Apr 25, 2015

It really depends on where you work apparently! I am in a clinic working right at 40 hours a week, making about 75% more than I was as an RN. I get to work between 730-8 and leave between 5-6....only 4 days per week. No call. No weekend (though I may wind up thrown in the rotating Saturday AM shift in a few months...not really sure). No holidays. Since I'm still only a few months into this I am setting my limit at 20 patients per day though I can obviously increase that. I have the potential for bonus and while I don't really understand RVU's apparently the PA wound up getting bonus $$$ even working part time so I figure I'll get some extra (woot!).

I don't always get much of a lunch. It is absolutely a different type of work. I am pretty thankful that I'm getting to call shots instead of waiting on calls back from others.

automotiveRN67 · Apr 26, 2015

Jules A. It seems you answered your own question, in a weird way. In your first post, you claim you are working really hard, in your second post, you mention taking on extra work, and making really good money.

At first, I thought the second post was a different person.

I am not clear what your question is.

babyNP., APRN · Apr 26, 2015

I work in the NICU and I've found the amount of work to be different, but generally not more than a RN. The thing that I really noticed was that my emotional health has improved dramatically- because even though I cover 6-9 patients, I don't have to be at the bedside for 12 hours with parents that are emotionally draining and there is something about having to ask permission of your co-worker to use the bathroom and knowing that you must be vigilant every second of the shift as your baby may desat and require suctioning/bagging, etc etc that takes a lot more emotional energy for which I ever gave it credit.

I work three 12 hour shifts a week and yes, sometimes I will get out a half-hour to an hour late, but it's still just three days that I need to be at work. I much prefer having 4 days off a week to working 9-5 M-F.

Jules A, MSN · Apr 26, 2015

Jules A. It seems you answered your own question, in a weird way. In your first post, you claim you are working really hard, in your second post, you mention taking on extra work, and making really good money.
At first, I thought the second post was a different person.
I am not clear what your question is.

My second post was offering suggestions in response to someone who wrote they are working lots of hours and not making good money. I wasn't talking about hours in my OP. I have always worked a ton of hours and made good money and I'm not looking to change that just that being a NP is more challenging and busy than I would have expected. I was asking if others experienced that also.

To quote myself: Overall it seems like I am way busier and work harder, especially the mental portion, than I ever did as a RN. Has this been your experience also?