NICURN'17

I'm absolutely torn on becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner. Some days I'm all for it and other days I question if it would be a good fit for me. I am still a fairly new NICU nurse as I've been working for a year and a few months. Of course I wouldn't go back to school until I have two years of experience. I'm torn about becoming an NNP just because I love being at the bedside and loving on my babies. I love being the first one to give them a bottle; first one to bathe them; being the first to tell their parents that they've reached a new milestone; letting them hold for the first time; encouraging them to change their micro-preemie's diaper although they're absolutely horrified, and most of all hearing "you're my baby's favorite nurse" I've noticed that a lot of the older nurses I work with don't really find joy in those type of things anymore which scares me. I wonder if I too will start to no longer find as much enjoyment in those things anymore as time goes on. I'm in my early 20's and I don't have any children yet which is another reason why I think I find so much enjoyment in being at the bedside..I guess because I don't feel "burnt out" as many would say and I truly love coming to work. A few things that make becoming an NNP more favorable in my eyes is: Having more autonomy, definitely. The possibility of only working 7-8 24-hour shifts a month. Being the one who writes the order that saves a life Going on high-risk deliveries (not too much experience with this but every time I go its exciting!) Learning on a higher level, being able to diagnose, and critically think as a provider is also exciting for me. I feel like I'd absolutely love being an NNP as part of a transport team! I love to learn and even if I never become an NNP I want to continue to fill my brain up with as much info as I can because I plan to do NICU for life! :) As I get older and more experienced, start a family, etc. I feel that being an NNP would be a good move for me however, I would like to go back to school while I'm still young. Enrolling in an online part-time program while working full-time for an additional three years as an RN is the plan. Upon graduation I'd have 5 years of level III NICU experience. I'd love to hear feedback on my post and I would also LOVE to hear insight from any NNP's out there and if you were stuck in this same dilemma at some point, what made you decide? Also, any RN's facing this decision, love to hear from you as well!