do any NPs wish they did something else

Specialties NP

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Ok so here is the deal I have been a ICU nurse for 8 years, I was thinking about doing CRNA and had worked towards that goal but something inside me keeps saying wait maybe thats not what you want to do. Im not sure I want to be part of an assembly line of surgeries the rest of my life. I want real patient care. Now after reading some in the CRNA forum on this site it seems many are upset with their current work situation. Still though I want to do more with my education. So I am thinking FNP. But I want to know are there any NPs out there who wish they did something else...or maybe choose a different sub-speciality?

It is just so sad to me that the NP is typically doing the same job for half the salary, and sometimes less.

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Another perspective -

I am finishing a dual FNP/ACNP program in 90 days...yes I am so stoked... I am a former ICU nurse and, like the other posters, couldn't allow myself the restriction to a PCP office. I also wanted the freedom to work in the ED/Urgent Care settings. ACNP only wouldn't allow me this opportunity.

I ultimately didn't chose either one. I chose both. I can work in an ICU, ED, or outpatient setting.

There are programs all over the country that have this option. I would caution you though, it has been a very tough time getting through the dual program. I'm thankful to be at the finish line. I just wanted to give you another option, if you want to have both certs, get them while you are going back. Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU, and IR.

That sounds right up my alley....So do you mind me asking what exactly you are choosing to do? do you have a job offer yet? I am just curious the setting you will be working in. I think I would like Urgent care.

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I took the FNP route. My only regret is that I wish I had done it sooner. I am a new graduate looking for a job but am exciting about the opportunity!!!

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Specializes in Cardiology, Research, Family Practice.

I don't regret it, I'm happy with my life, but if I could go back to being

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Specializes in Hospitalist Medicine.
Another perspective -

I am finishing a dual FNP/ACNP program in 90 days...yes I am so stoked... I am a former ICU nurse and, like the other posters, couldn't allow myself the restriction to a PCP office. I also wanted the freedom to work in the ED/Urgent Care settings. ACNP only wouldn't allow me this opportunity.

I ultimately didn't chose either one. I chose both. I can work in an ICU, ED, or outpatient setting.

There are programs all over the country that have this option. I would caution you though, it has been a very tough time getting through the dual program. I'm thankful to be at the finish line. I just wanted to give you another option, if you want to have both certs, get them while you are going back. Good luck!

I am doing this as well. I was originally getting the FNP with the ACNP certificate afterwards. However, I did a lot of soul-searching and opted to transfer to a dual FNP/ACNP program. I like the fact that I will have over 1,000+ hours of clinical experience when I'm done and I'll be able to pursue all avenues that are appealing to me: ICU, ER, hospitalist, urgent care, etc. My plan is to eventually locum tenens, so having the dual certification should open more doors for opportunities when I'm ready to travel.

I am an ICU nurse as well. The thought of being in a small office, seeing the same patients all the time makes me cringe. I know I wouldn't be happy being a primary care NP. Our hospital uses ACNPs in the trauma unit and the ER wants you to have the FNP so you can see patients of all ages. The dual FNP/ACNP gives me the best of both worlds. I'd much rather do central lines, art lines, intubation, etc.

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Specializes in Critical Care and ED.
I am doing this as well. I was originally getting the FNP with the ACNP certificate afterwards. However, I did a lot of soul-searching and opted to transfer to a dual FNP/ACNP program. I like the fact that I will have over 1,000+ hours of clinical experience when I'm done and I'll be able to pursue all avenues that are appealing to me: ICU, ER, hospitalist, urgent care, etc. My plan is to eventually locum tenens, so having the dual certification should open more doors for opportunities when I'm ready to travel.

I am an ICU nurse as well. The thought of being in a small office, seeing the same patients all the time makes me cringe. I know I wouldn't be happy being a primary care NP. Our hospital uses ACNPs in the trauma unit and the ER wants you to have the FNP so you can see patients of all ages. The dual FNP/ACNP gives me the best of both worlds. I'd much rather do central lines, art lines, intubation, etc.

That's my deal too. Couldn't stand primary care. I'm in the AGACNP track and work critical care. I just wish I could do ER or urgent care but I don't want to do kids. Back in my day I worked in an ED that was adults only as there was a specialist peds ED next door. I really enjoyed that but I guess I'll stick to ICU.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I’m finishing my FNP program this August. I didn’t realize at the beginning that FNP was geared toward primary care. I’ve had a desire to stay in the hospital although for some reason I’ve enjoyed my peds rotation. I think I may want to try out primary care and if not go back for an AGACNP so I can go back into the hospital. I’ve been on the fence of applying for the AGACNP immediately after passing boards or working in primary care.

I was actually intrigued when a clinical instructor of mine said he has NP’s that work as hospitalists. I’ve been interested in this position ever since I’ve heard about it. I know that there are guidelines that AGACNP grads should work as hospitalists but I know of some FNP or ANP primary care who work as hospitalists.

Its exciting that I’m graduating but I feel the pressure of looking for a job when I get nearer to graduation in August.

Is there anyone who does primary care but also does rounds in the hospital?

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Specializes in Midwife, OBGYN.

So another perspective. I am still a student and I have never worked in an ICU setting or ever had any intention of doing so. Nor was I interested in working as a ACNP but I do like being in a hospital setting just not all the time. It just worked out that I like working with women and babies so I am currently in school for my CNM/WHNP. It might be going smoothly after delivery and then the pregnant person could suddenly develop a postpartum hemorrhage so there are acute things that can happen in this space which needs to be monitored for. I see myself working in the hospital as a CNM to gain experience and work in a faster paced environment but at the same time I will also be seeing patients in the outpatient setting as a WHNP in the primary care space. As nurses have told me all the time, the profession is vast and there are many ways in which you can take your career while keeping it interesting.

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I don't regret being an NP, but I do regret staying with my current employer. It was all roses and daisy until it got bought out by an FQHC. The literal rat race of seeing patients every 10 to 15 min, the involuntary double bookings, the aggressive and ungrateful patients, and the lack of concern from upper leadership of our safety is killing me. Yes, I am looking for another job, but with under 1 year experience, it has proven difficult...

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