Nurse Practitioner

[inoue1973]

Hi all,

My name is Aya. I've been RN for 9 years. I'm thinking about pursuing Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.... I have 3 questions:

1) Is it worthy for me to invest my time and money for it? I have 7 y/o daughter who needs lots of my time and supervision.

2) How's job market for Adult/Geriatric NP in California? I live in Bay Area, San Jose, near SF.

3) Is Maryville University is accredited for online nursing degree like they claim?

Thank you for your responses in advance.

Aya

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Moved to AN's Pre-Nurse Practitioner Inquiry ... see our APN section on gold toolbar above for Student NP and NP forum threads.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Aya, welcome, glad you are thinking about advancing your practice. I will preface this post with the statement that is is very hard for us to make any sort of determination if the time and money investment in changing to the APN role is worthy of your investment; only you can decide that. We can give you some personal opinions and experience to help you make a more educated choice, but we are biased so remember that :)

1. As above. For me it has been the best investment I have every made, from both a financial standpoint and quality of life standpoint. There is overlap between RN and NP salary: experienced RNs may make more than novice NPs. That being said, in almost all instances the ceiling for earning is higher than that of RNs, and NPs don't rely on picking up overtime (in most cases) to make a 6-figure salary.The APN role is a difficult one that will challenge you, but physically it is much less demanding. Quality of life is multifaceted. Many APNs like not having to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Many also like the expanded role and the ability to fully care for your patients without being limited by "orders". The role is very different,so make sure you shadow some NPs before you decide to invest.

2. There are some local NPs that may be able to help with your job market question. From what I have gathered, CA is fairly strict with NPs and the major markets seem to be tightening up at this point.

3. Be very careful in researching your programs. Ask questions about the preceptorships and whether they are handled by the school or the student. Make very sure the program is approved by the CA BoN, I have heard they don't accept many online programs. Call and ask the board before enrolling. Maryville is CCNE approves to my knowledge, but I don't know if they are accepted in CA.

Best of luck.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Good place to start looking: ​Board of Registered Nursing - Advanced Practice Programs