ImmaNP

Thank you for sharing that 2025 projection Jules. So analyzing that data, I don't know if any nurse would venture into becoming a nurse practitioner (primary care at least). In 2025 all, states are expected to have a surplus along with most states having a PA surplus as well. Obviously, we don't know what changes can occur by 2025 but the continued supply of primary care nurse practitioners at this rate will drastically change the job landscape. Instead of retaining quality NPs, who is to stop employers from just having a warm body and pay minimally. The cream always rises to the top, but what happens to the average NP when their salary is less than RN but with more responsibility. I know this is happening already, and I remember someone mentioning our profession going down the same road as lawyers in the past, with a vast oversupply. The data really scares me being a FNP, but I challenge all prospective NPs to research and make an informed decision instead of defaulting to "I might as well become a NP."

Honestly if you're doing it for the money I would reconsider. Unless you are able to fully pay for school without loans or know that you will get a significant pay increase it may not be worth it. For me personally, becoming an FNP I took a pay cut after everything is said and done, but I am a jew graduate so you have to account for that. Also consider that there is an abundance of FNPs, and unless you have researched and networked to ensure that you have a good job after graduating then I would think carefully. I have a classmate that worked in the ED that was making 60k after being a nurse for a out 2 years and he got a significant bump in salary probably over 30k. But for me I was making about 85k and make about 10k more as NP but it is salary so it is a fixed amount. Ultimately as others have said unless you are in a specific situation where acquiring an FNP will serve your needs go for it, but solely looking for monetary gain I would be judicious in your choice. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Angie, Most of the programs that I have seen do not specify that you are currently working. Mine told me not to work during the program. They usually ask for 1 year of nursing experience for FNP and 1 year of ICU in the past 5 years for acute care. But each program is different and you would have to research your prospective schools. On the recommendation aspect, maybe you can ask the person tactfully but there are a myriad of reasons they may not want to write one. If you have kept close contact with this person and kept a collegial relationship I do not see why they would not write one but if you came out of the blue to ask for a recommendation maybe that is where their ambivalence originates. On your last question I believe there are some over lap on the classes so if I was you, I would try and get the 2 degrees you are seeking at the same school so that you could get credit for the classes that fulfill both degrees. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for the response Kate. Fortunately I have my California RN license. Did you end up working in California as an NP if so did you enjoy it? Also, speaking of Arizona, I have been thinking about applying there. How is the school system where you are and what city if you don't mind sharing? Thank you for your input.

Thank you for the excellent reply. Your point on the cost of living is definitely important, as I have done some travel nursing in the area and looked at some of the housing options there currently. Again thank you for the thorough response.

Thanks for the quick response Juan. 1. I was just curious on utilization of FNPs, do any work in the hospital at all. I see that you are an ACNP, and I am sure that things are different depending on the facility. But I guess my ideal position would be to work in either primary care clinic or work in the cath lab as a nurse practitioner. Do you see many FNPs working as hospitalists/cath lab NPs. 2. Also do you have a salary range for a new graduate nurse practitioner? Thank you so much.

Greetings everyone. I will be graduating this December with my FNP from Texas. I am considering moving my family and myself to the Bay Area of California and wanted to get some input from NPs that are working there now. I have extensive experience in cath lab and will do a travel assignment as an RN until I can get my credentials for NP. I have read a lot of information and just wanted to get some information from the actual state of NP practice from those that work there. Thank you and I look forward to your responses.