It's getting cool here in the Northwest, so let's heat things up.
I just read a thread where it was mentioned "...prescribing is where the money and opportunities are."
NPs are called "Providers" but really what do they provide?
What do NP wannabes have to look forward to other than slamming 20-40 patients through the system, writing prescriptions and filling out government mandated paperwork?
I have even read where the big draw to being an NP are the hours! Can people be so shallow or desperate to get away from bedside nursing?
This is going to be fun and so as to not disappoint those who recently felt it was worth speculating on the size of my ego I do feel it is necessary to mention that uhhhh no my secretary does the government mandated BS paperwork.
i think that smiley face is trying to lick a booger out of its nose. lol
Not so smart nurse here not sure the difference between a provider (in the conventional sense) and a prescriber, other than a provider prescribes. Which makes me understand less of the question..
Since I don't understand the OP I wish to say my old perception of NP's were of some RN's who really knew their stuff, went on to NP school and began practicing giving their patients more attention using a wider lens. A local long time practicing NP has earned the respect of MD's and nurses alike, many nurses go to her as their provider. I'm positive she bypassed the little girl stage.
I don't know if I will ever feel confident in someone who went straight thru or put in a measly year working on time mgmt and tasks.
Yeah, being an NP sucks. I really hate it when a sick person comes into my office, I figure out what their issues are, and I help them feel better or be healthier. I can barely look at myself in the mirror most days. Except of course, on weekends and holidays when I don't have to go to work.....
Oh yeah...I don't do my own paperwork either. That sucks, too....
Is your beef specifically only with NPs, or do you see all advanced-practice nursing as laughable?
As a CNM, I'm a provider and a prescriber. I definitely do not simply "slam 20-40 patients through the system" and slog through paperwork every day. I do prenatal visits, postpartum visits, and annual GYN visits in the clinic, as well as care for laboring women and perform deliveries on L&D. I have a flexible schedule, a decent salary and excellent benefits. I have awesome midwife coworkers whom I learn from every day.
In the course of one day I might provide a teenage girl with long-acting contraception, refer another woman for abortion services, assist a postpartum mom with breastfeeding, manage a woman's labor and deliver her baby. I take great pride it in it. There are of course bad days when I wonder why I do what I do, but those are greatly outweighed by the good ones where I witness and experience incredible joy.
I did leave staff nursing to become an advanced practice nurse, and no, I don't regret it. What do I provide? Excellent care. I think the vast majority of NPs, CNMs, CRNAs, and CNSs can say the same.
I think there is a lot of misunderstanding between RNs who perhaps are not familiar with the APRN role.
I've been an APRN for 9+ years and I did absolutely love bedside nursing. However, I equally love my roles as provider and prescriber. Like other APRNs have mentioned, I do help pts. My pts are for the most part seriously ill with a much shortened lifespan. I discuss end of life issues almost daily.
In "you alls" opinions, how long should one practice as an RN before it is "acceptable" to go to NP school? I notice some comments regarding those students who go straight to NP school or only are at the bedside a year. How many years would you said one should be at the bedside before going on to become an NP?
Why is an NP not a legitimate profession, and why does it have to equate to abandoning ship? Just become I'm becoming an NP does not mean I don't love and respect my job. I know that bedside nursing won't fit with my lifestyle infinitely. I do agree that some people have the mentality that becoming an NP will fix all of the problems they are experiencing at the bedside, and all you can do is sit back and watch reality set it, just wait!
In response to Janey, if I was in charge of admissions I'd like to see at least 3 years experience. I remember when I was applying most have a one year requirement. Just the view from up here on my high horse.
NPs are called "Providers" but really what do they provide?
Can people be so shallow or desperate to get away from bedside nursing?
What do NPs provide to who?
To patients, access to quality and cost effective health care.
To themselves, the chance to take the next step, write the orders, make the diagnosis, lift the ceiling off the salary cap, step over to the other side of nursing and medicine.
To RNs, inspiration for jealous or confused rants lately apparently.
I have been a nurse for a little over 12 years. This is my second "life" as I was in the military for 6 years doing something completely different. I chose nursing originally to learn about the human body, which had always been fascinating to me. In my 12 years I have worked mostly in critical care environments, but my thoughts and opinions mattered to the rest of the patient's care team. I felt respected! Most recently whether it was due to a job change or a culture change, this respect is less and less. I am in school for FNP because I want to expand my knowledge, and I want to earn that respect back!! Notice I said EARN, respect is not given easily. I can only hope that I continue to grow and learn in my new role,so that I will be an essential part of the "care team" that helps patients on all levels. I will say my program, which is a state school, but online, is so far, not that difficult. I already find myself researching more in depth information about subjects so that I am hopefully better prepared. Personally 3 12hour shifts with 4 days off is a dream......5 days a week sucks . I am not becoming an FNP for money, hours, holidays, but these are definitely great bonuses......
To patients, access to quality and cost effective health care.
To themselves, the chance to take the next step, write the orders, make the diagnosis, lift the ceiling off the salary cap, step over to the other side of nursing and medicine.
To RNs, inspiration for jealous or confused rants lately apparently.
To MDs, an easy revenue stream.
It's not jealousy on my part. I truly do not want to be an NP. I've worked with amazing NPs. I have been a constant in saying that.
You and Jules and BC etc. are NPs who seem to have a strong knowledge base as well as a commitment to your profession.
I don't like the presumption that all nurses are "sick of being nurses" and will naturally want to take the next step. Granted, none of you 3 that I mentioned ^ has ever really said that to anyone here, that I've seen! Yet, I have seen it, both here, and in my life.
I'm flattered that RL people ask me why I don't want to be an NP, but really have no desire.
The second thing I don't like is the jump from school right to NP, with no clinical time. The reason I love NPs? They were once nurses, and look at the patient differently than a doctor does. Isn't that the point?
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