PNP to NNP time off??

[PediNP16]

Thanks in advance to anyone who can shed some light on this for me!

I have several years of NICU experience, and I'm currently working as a primary care PNP in a level 2 NICU, but I really miss being in a higher acuity setting. I'm considering returning for a post-master's certificate to become and NNP. The issue is I would have to apply this year to meet the 2 years experience in the last 5 years experience for the NNP program, but I am pregnant and planning on taking a couple of years off to raise a baby. Does anyone have any recommendations about taking time off after graduation or just generally how much time you can take off as an NNP once you've started working? It seems I can't get a PRN job immediately after graduation; they all want full time people if they're new grads. I know as a PNP there seems to be a lot more flexibility, as it's primary care, so I'm just not sure about this more acute setting as an NP.

Thanks!

[babyNP., APRN]

I don't think any of us can say exactly, but my guess is that you should be credentialed and actually working within 6 months of graduating- meaning you need to secure the job soon after or before graduation since credentialing is notorious for taking forever, not to mention your initial licensing from the BON. Here's an article from ensearch about it (full disclosure: they recruit NNPs. I did not use them I found their "finders" fee to be ridiculously high that hospitals pay them, but more power to people who use them, I guess): When Should a New Neonatal Nursing Grad Start Looking for a Job?

If you're pregnant now you'll probably have a couple of years after your baby is born- when does school start? Even if it's 6 months ahead and then you go to school for a year to a year and a half with a post-masters, then that'll be 2 years anyway. Probably your best bet if you can swing it financially is to go to school part-time so you can spend more time with your baby.

[PediNP16]

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer this! This is honestly very helpful. Have you seen employers hire new grad NNPs into PRN or part time positions, or is it pretty much full time in your experience? I think the curriculum is set, but now that you've given me the idea, I'll ask and see if there is any flexibility with the program.

[babyNP., APRN]

No, I doubt anyone would let you do part-time, certainly not per diem. You'll still be considered a new grad and you need to be full time in an employer's eyes to be competent in your skills and in patient management. My best guess is that you'd have to work full time for at least a year, probably 2 before an employer would let you do part-time, if they even offer it.

Again, this is guesswork and I can't speak for every hospital system in the USA.

I would also ask the school if they have any accommodations for taking a semester off once you have your baby. I knew someone that did that once, took a semester off and then came back to school the next semester.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

I see the doctors having babies all the time but when u have to do a 24 hour shift are you able to?