Nurse Practitioner or Teacher? Advice please

[Anw2020]

Hello! I've recently been accepted to a couple different programs. One is with Frontier university for family nurse practitioner and the other is for a masters in secondary education with a focus in biology.  

I'm really torn between the two. For NP I'm worried about the stress of all the added responsibility because I'm already getting burnt out from stress as an RN. Do any current NPs find it less stressful than working as a bedside nurse? Do you get along well with the doctors you work with? 

For the education program I really love biology and I enjoy teaching people new things so I thought maybe this could be a good fit. My concerns with that are the lower pay and the amount of extra work you have to put in (ex. Taking home work to grade, less on plans, etc. ). I just want to be able to have a good work/life balance with whatever career I choose. And before anyone asks about nursing education I've already considered it, but I need more experience for that and I'm just not willing to stay at the bedside that long. 

Another concern is being able to actually get a job which is notoriously difficult for teachers. Any NPs have difficulty finding work as a new grad? 

I'd really appreciate any advice anyone has to offer on the subject!

[lidea]

Hey, 

I totally understand where you are coming from. I'm not a NP but wish I always had the desire to become one. I always wanted to be a teacher but never had the nerve to pursue it due to lower pay etc. I totally get not wanting to be at the bedside anymore. I can't give you much advice about the NP part but just want to say follow your dreams of what you really want to do and what you think you would enjoy the most. Good luck to you!!

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I would not encourage anyone to get an FNP at this point in time. In most major markets, FNPs are completely saturated. Finding work and falling wages are a real problem. Do your research before you proceed.

I cannot speak about "teachers". I am a nurse educator/professional development specialist with an MSN in nursing education. I have had zero trouble finding work and make about $25K more than an entry level FNP.