Hey all,
I have been accepted to a NP program and am looking to start in this career path. I have come across 4-5 NPs recently and needless to say, these FNPs, PNP and ACNPs have all told me that they stopped practicing as an NP and are "working as a floor nurse because we aren't getting paid enough as an NP." Of course, I didn't have the audacity to actually ask them how much they get paid, but I could pretty much get a figure in my mind because they are working in the same facility as I am and we have concrete pay scales for RNs. This worries me because although I love nursing, I am looking to proverbially "move up the ladder" and work as a mid-level provider - I don't necessarily see myself still working as a "floor nurse" when I become an NP. Any thoughts/insights? I'm located in Maryland. Thanks.