ivory21

Thank you for your feedback! Yes, you're right about the shortage of PCP's... definitely an area that NPs are filling/can fill in the future. I do know that I eventually want to run a business down the line, but coming out of NP school I do want to get some well-rounded experience. I'm hoping my rotations will help clarify this area for me (I start them in the fall). To be honest, I just want to learn as much as I can coming out school but also maintaining a good work/life balance. I do know that I enjoy procedural related things in general. I've heard mixed things about primary care; you definitely get that wide range of experience that you mentioned, but at the same time, some colleagues of mine have told me that burnout can be high. I'm really hoping I just work along some great mentors who value APPs!

Thank you so much for your input (and sorry about the delay in response)! If I were in the Illinois area, I would definitely reach out, but alas I live in the northern Virginia area haha. Regardless, your encouragement means a lot so thank you again!

Hi all, I'm new to this community. I'm currently in a FNP program and am aiming to complete by December 2027. I've been a RN for about 9 years now with mostly a cardiac background. I decided to go back to school largely because I don't think I can physically keep up with it when I'm in my 50's-60's and I enjoy learning/desire some more autonomy. Some of my colleagues are also training to be FNP's and some have expressed the desire to start off in PCP or urgent care in the beginning to get a develop a good foundation. A colleague who is my unit's APP said she started off in a primary care office and learned a lot before transitioning into other specialities. My friends who are FNPs, however, advised that it's better to wisely pick a speciality instead. This conversation reminds me a whole lot of when I became a new grad RN - many people said it was better to start off in Med-Surg, while others pursued their desired specialities off the get-go. I was one who chose a specialty and have not regretted doing so. Unfortunately, I'm not so sure that I want to be a provider in cardiology as I can see that requiring frequent call (although I am glad to have a foundation in cardiology). I'm not against some call, but I can imagine cardiology being called a ton. Also, this does give me a chance to learn more about other specialities in general. I'm assuming specialities pay more as well? For the experienced FNPs, looking back, do you think it's better to try PCP/urgent care first and then specialize or do you think it doesn't matter?

I'm a current FNP student and am located in Northern VA. From what I've heard (friends are NPs), in this area NPs should roughly be making $140k at least in large hospital institutions. Once I get more definitive details, I'll update.