SublimeEMTP

I'm sure this has been discussed before (I tried searching, was not helpful, can't narrow search to this forum), but I felt like I needed to vent or seek out some advice. I finished an FNP program and graduated last November. After a months long credentialing process I am due to start a new position in a hospital based urgent care in the next few weeks. I am not sure why I am so nervous about working in an urgent care but I am feeling some serious anxiety as the date approaches. It's probably due to the fact that I've been rather comfortable in my career for some time now before this change. For over a decade I've worked in the ER/EMS setting as a RN and paramedic. I worked as a flight nurse for a few years and wasn't even this nervous about transitioning into that role. I guess it's because I have never worked in an urgent care and I've never worked as a NP so the role change part is getting to me I suppose. Also the fact this is a teaching hospital where I'll be working next to residents, physicians, and experienced NPs/PAs (they don't usually hire new grads, not sure why they chose to hire me as one, but they are fully aware I'm a new grad). This is in part adding to my anxiety, as I feel I'll be trying to work next to and keep up with people much smarter / more educated than me. I will be getting a couple weeks of "orientation" shifts before being on my own, which is somewhat reassuring, but I am pretty worried about looking dumb or missing something. It seems to get worse the closer it gets. I've been doing the HIPPO ED urgent care bootcamp, have been practicing suturing at home, and studying in some of my spare time, but I just can't shake this anxiety / imposter syndrome feeling. I know I'm not the first to experience this, so I guess I am just seeing if anyone on here has some good advice or words of wisdom to share. Thanks

I know this thread got a bit off topic, but I do want to thank all those who offered advice. Some of you gave me some things to reflect on and think about and I do appreciate it. I have had a few interviews and there are positions offering decent hourly rates ($65/hr with bonuses added for productivity and metrics which make it close to $70-75hr… plus benefits). Plus the opportunity to work overtime. I think the low salary was really getting to me but it doesn’t have to be that way if you find the right position. At this point I am just trying to be appreciative of the opportunity to earn what I am at the moment as a travel RN. I may not enjoy it or be excited to go in, but it is allowing me to save and pay off my loans. I just hope I enjoy working as an NP and it turns out to be a career that I can get up every morning and not dread going to (unlike my travel RN job). I also like the idea that one day I can potentially open my own practice as an NP (weight loss, mens health, whatever I decide I like), so I think that has some value as well. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Unfortunately there wasn't anyone to tell me that a few years ago before I started this journey. In early 2019 when I started all the NPs I talked to said it was worth it. This was pre-covid, nursing pay had not skyrocketed, I don't think the market was quiet as diluted. Too late now though, I've already done it.

I'm a brand new FNP. Just passed boards, interviewing this week for multiple positions. Background is paramedic, ER nursing, flight nurse, and now travel RN in the ER. I am really struggling with the financial aspect of this change. I am currently making about $3400/week working only 3 day shifts/week. This is a travel contract but I make the drive about 1hr 20 mins each day I work so I can get the travel pay (50 miles from your home or farther to qualify). The money is nice, and the 4 days off a week is really nice, but I pretty much dread going to work. I am very burned out as far as bedside nursing goes. I'm tired of the usually short staffed days, 12 hours of stress and being behind on tasks, the monotony of the tasks each day (get an IV, label things, send it, get EKG, help patient to bathroom, beg for urine sample on everyone, hang antibiotics, rinse and repeat for 12 hours). I feel like I shouldn't complain because I am being paid nicely and I only work 3 days a week, but I don't enjoy the days I do work. The NP job I interviewed for yesterday asked my pay expectations. I said $65/hr at least because that is what my base travel RN pay is (without my travel stipends, which I know I can't expect from a local NP job). They said $65 is the top pay they offer across the board for the position and would likely not be able to do that for a new grad. I have seen some positions offering around $45-55/hr on indeed for FNPs (Texas). I expected a pay cut to some degree because I am starting a new career essentially, but man I didn't think it would be this steep. A place today offered me a salaried job at 105,000 per year which they say is higher than they normally offer new grads because of my resume. I honestly don't think I could afford my current life with that (15 year mortgage based on previous RN earnings of 130K/year). My question to all of you is, is it worth it? Am I looking at this the wrong way? Did anyone else in a similar scenario find a huge relief when they started an outpatient NP position and got away from the bedside and did not regret taking a pay cut? I am honestly stressed right now thinking about it. I spent a year working extremely hard (stayed full time at my flight RN position working 48 hours a week and did full time clinical hours) thinking there would be a pay off in the end. But all of the work and school dollars spent.... for a significant pay cut. Thank you for any advice.

Hi all, I am currently doing the online FNP program through UTA. I'm about to start my third class, and I've quickly discovered that this program is little more than a "FNP mill". Lots of writing papers, discussions boards, and completing assignments that really provide little in the way of the advanced knowledge I feel I need for the position. From what I've heard, many of the programs are like this. Kind of at this point where I am not sure what to do. I am not having any trouble doing the program, in fact I'm working insane hours at work right now between two jobs and I am still able to make A's, I just don't feel I am getting what I need. I don't want to show up to clinicals and feel lost. Does anyone have similar experiences or advice on how to augment my FNP education? Do you just feel that you learn what you need to during clinicals despite the poor educational model of these programs? I don't want to be a provider that doesn't know what their doing. Thanks

Hey, looking for some career advice here! Right now I work as a paramedic and have realIzed I love medicine and would like a acquire a much deeper understanding of medicine and physiology in general. I want to go to DO route but my spouse doesn't really want me to. I am 23 and have a daughter and am planning on having another one soon. Just recently had the epiphany I want I be a physician, formerly just wanted to be a ER nurse.... So this wasn't really in our plans. With a family, me going to med school would put a lot of pressure on my wife while i attend school and she doesn't seem to want that, although she said she would support me on whatever. This has lead me to seriously consider the DNP route, but honestly I know little about it. I tried googling and didn't find much that helped. I've heard ACNP is the path I'd want to take, as it goes into the more advanced medical sciences. Is there a DNP-ACNP? I am pretty sure everyone who goes for ACNP has at least at some point strongly considered being a physician. So with that being said do you feel satisfied as being a DNP/ACNP as opposed to going to med school? I am afraid I will get this far and realize I wish I went to med school because I didn't get a good enough medical education. What opportunities is there for a ACNP? At my hospital they hired them to work in urgent care/observation/fast track ER. What other options are there outside this? Thanks a ton for any advice!!

Ok so I work full time as a paramedic and am starting to realize an online program might be my only option to go RN unless I win the lottery or something. My schedule just won't allow me to attend class / clincals 4+ days a week. I want to be able to get my ADN through exceslior... but get my BSN somewhere else, preferably a reputable college. The problem I forsee is that the lack of clinical requirements from excelsior could be a problem for BSN degree requirements for many colleges. Anyone know if colleges look at clinical time you did in your ADN? Will I have trouble getting into a BSN program with an ADN from accelsior? Thanks!!