whoaitschrista

I am in a BSN program and am trying to decide whether I want to be a NP or nursing instructor. There is a university in my town, but I would have to have a doctorate to teach at it. From what I've heard, being an instructor has less responsibility and liability than a NP. Is this true? I've also heard that as an instructor, you take home a good bit of work to study and make lectures and tests. I've had no experience in teaching, but 6 years as an RN.

I have been an RN for 6 years with PACU and ICU experience. I am currently in school to get my BSN. I am still trying to decide what area I want to get my MSN in. FNP or education? I am tired of working "under" different people and doing orders and tasks. I understand the duties and responsibilities of a FNP, but is it too much for what pay you get? Would a job in education say at a university or community college but less stressful with less pay? I am having a hard time finding out salaries for nursing instructors at universities and community colleges. If anyone has any advice or suggestions it would be of great help!

I am currently looking at three universities in North Carolina. I am interested in FNP. The three schools are East Carolina University, Western Carolina University and UNC Charlotte. WCU and UNCC are the same distance for me to drive (about 1 hour). ECU's program is completely online with clinicals in my hometown. The program is 2 years long full-time. WCU's program is 2 1/2 years long part-time. This program is a hybrid program. The first year is online, then the second year you goto campus once a week for class and you have clinicals in your hometown. UNCC's program is similar to WCU but they have the two year full-time option or the 3-4 yr part-time option. WCU has been the only school that has said it is possible to work during their program. I am having a hard time deciding which school I want to attend. I would like to still work at least part time throughout the program. Has anyone worked fulltime or part time while in NP school? Also, would it be more beneficial to goto WCU since they have a hybrid program? Thanks in advance!!

Does anyone know what WEOP means? What kind of schedule is it?

I am currently looking for a new job at a hospital. I'm wanting to get some critical care experience. I shadowed in NICU and I really liked it. I've applied for the job there about 3 weeks ago and haven't heard anything. Human resources won't tell me anything either. I interviewed at another hospital in the same area, but it's for PACU. This hospital does not have a NICU. I'm just wondering if it would annoy the hospital with NICU if I continued to call them and let them know that I am interested and looking at other places also? It's hard to get into a critical care unit now, unless you have experience and a bachelors degree.

RaziRN, which school are you leaning more towards??

I am a full-time working RN wanting to obtain a BSN. UNC's program is more expensive and requires foreign languages. ECU offers more options for MSN/NP programs online. Has anyone on here completed either program or is currently in one of these programs? I'd like to hear feedback about the programs and any opinions please. Thanks!!

I had the opportunity to shadow in nicu today. I am a RN and I have been trying to find my "special area." I really enjoyed being in the unit and seeing the different acuity levels of the babies. There is SO much to learn. I have no experience at all with babies, labor and delivery, or critical care. I didn't know if I would be scared of the ventilators and machines and dealing with babies, but it did not bother me at all. I just wanted to jump right in and help. Is this how you know if it is meant for you? I'm not sure if maybe I should look into adult icu also to compare? I kinda already know what to expect with adults because of my experience. I have applied for a position in nicu, but i haven't heard anything in 2 weeks. I'm afraid that maybe I won't be interviewed.

I have been a RN for 4 years. I have experience in cardiac care with adults, and 3 years in an outpatient surgery clinic. I have recently started looking for a job and have thought about trying NICU. It is very different than what I already know, but I do take care of children after surgery. I would say that I am a calm person when it comes to stressful times when patients are unstable or sick. Could someone tell me the difference in working in Adult ICU and NICU? I am concerned about the pace that I currently work versus the pace of NICU. Our patients are healthy and stable, unless there are airway issues with anesthesia. Also my workload is light. Also is there a personality difference in the nurses that work in Adult ICU versus NICU? I am becoming more confident and aggressive as a nurse, but sometimes I question things or double check things. I am afraid of making mistakes! How is the orientation process? Do they usually do alot of teaching for someone who has no pediatric or labor/delivery experience? In the past year, I have felt like I NEED to learn more and WANT to push myself. I just want to do more for my patients. I'm just not sure which way I should go..

I have been a RN for 4 years. I have experience in cardiac care with adults, and 3 years in an outpatient surgery clinic. I have recently started looking for a job and have thought about trying NICU. It is very different than what I already know, but I do take care of children after surgery. Could someone tell me the difference in working in Adult ICU and NICU? I am concerned about the pace that I currently work versus the pace of NICU. Our patients are healthy and stable, unless there are airway issues with anesthesia. Also my workload is light. Also is there a personality difference in the nurses that work in Adult ICU versus NICU? I am becoming more confident and aggressive as a nurse, but sometimes I question things or double check things. I am afraid of making mistakes! How is the orientation process? Do they usually do alot of teaching for someone who has no pediatric or labor/delivery experience?

I have been a nurse for 4 years. I worked my first year on a PCU floor. I've worked the past three years at an ambulatory surgery center in pre-op/pacu. I might have to go back to the hospital due to low pt census. Most of the positions available now are in ICU. I've been thinking about trying to go for it but I'm just not sure. I believe I'm smart enough but I just don't have the confidence. I am one of those nurses that has to double, even triple check things and I am very efficient. I just worry about not getting the education and training I need if I go into a critical care unit. My question is, did any of you feel this way before going into ICU? and has it become more easier or comfortable for you as you've learned?

I have been an RN for the past 3 years. I am currently 23 and married. I have been thinking about going back to school to either be a nurse midwife, CRNA, or pharmacist. I currently have an Associate's Degree. How much schooling would I need to be either of these?

This was the first hospital that I have interviewed at. So I don't know if every hospital is like this, or they specifically tell you "you will be working day/night" before you even start orientation. I feel like if I take this job, I will be given a night shift because I will be a new nurse.

I am a nursing student...well I graduate in two days! I was offered a job on a medical floor that I like, and the pay is pretty good too. The nurse recruiter told me that she can not guarantee a certain shift...even though I told her I wanted a day shift. Has this happened to everyone who gets offered a nursing job? I am thinking they tell everyone this because something can come up once you begin orientation. I would not start orientation for another two months anyway. Should I keep looking for a day job???