prose1

Clinical Research changes constantly. It's very dry right now generally w/ changes at federal level and in pharma-world, and they are trying to figure out ways to not pay nurses' salaries. This ebbs and flows, but its a low point now. If you work for industry they will work you till you're skin & bones--I wouldn't recommend it. If you work for an academic center, your hours will be more sensible, and your benefits good. You'll have colleagues if you're good at networking. You will be expected to play a zillion roles at one time, which many nurses are very good at. (it wore me out). if you want more schooling, I'd recommend a general "leadership" type general MSN (rather than a research-specific one). You can always learn research on the side, or get a research certificate if you really really want it.

Hello all, I have been an RN for 20 years (all outpatient/community health/ambulatory) and am looking into FNP programs. I'm realizing that many of these programs have very high percentages of students who are on the "direct entry" route--that is have been RNs for very little time. (one program told me less than 10% of students have more than 5 years of experience and almost no one with more than 10 years as a nurse). I work now with many NPs who went the direct entry route, and do not question skill or quality or anything. They're fine clinicians. I just think I'll be lonely sitting in classrooms with hardly any people with my same life/professional experience. And I know I'll be bored listening to people process their realizations about the many wacky and aggravating truths about our health care system. (granted, I went through that long ago, and I appreciate the journey, but it will get old. (it's old now, listening to my current colleagues)). I'm flexible on style of program (online or school) as well as location (my daughter will be in college soon & I can relocate for a program if necessary). Can anyone recommend a FNP program with a substantial population of long-time nurses? any other advice on this topic? I imagine long-time nurses don't bother with getting an NP because there isn't a financial benefit--(my hourly would be the approximately the same post FNP program as it is now). But I'm considering doing it anyway. Thanks in advance