Kimberly815

Hi there! I was wondering if any current FNP's or those in school can give me some advice! I've been working as an RN in a general ICU for about a year now and started as a new grad. My eventual goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner! I am not interested in becoming a Critical Care NP as I have figured out I am not passionate about critical care, although I have learned so much from this experience. My husband and I plan on trying to start a family in the very near future so it may be a couple of years before I start a MSN-FNP program. I am wondering where I can work as an RN now that will best prepare me for being an FNP? I would like to leave the ICU, so would anyone suggest working on a general med/surg floor? Or trying to find a job in a family practice or clinic? ED? I know ICU has taught me a lot and would continue to, but I would like to have experience and become familiar with the patients and diagnoses I will be treating. The patients in the ICU I take care of are often vented or have just had major surgery or septic and on pressors etc. and I know this is not the general population in which I will be working with as a future NP. I know I could work in an ED/Urgent Care setting as an NP and this will involve some of the same things I see in the ICU, but I would like to get the best experience to help me for what I will see overall. Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks!!

Hi Everyone, I have been a nurse for about 6 months in an ICU and I am considering a new job! I graduated from nursing school in December, took the nclex early and passed with 75 questions, and landed a job in the ICU a few weeks later. I knew a friend who worked there so that definitely helped get me the job! Orientation went smoothly, then I worked day shift on my own due to there being extra help if needed, and I began working nights in the beginning of June. Six/seven months later while I have learned SO incredibly much and absolutely love my coworkers, I've discovered that ICU nursing is just not for me. I've started looking for other jobs, and I have found one that has caught my attention as an RN working in cardiac education. It requires a minimum of 1-2 years med/surg and ICU experience is preferred. The only thing is my supervisor is also the hiring manager for this new job. Would it be crazy to apply given the circumstances? Would they even consider me due to me only having been working as a nurse for about 6/7 months? I was always told to stay in a job for at least a year before considering other employment but I don't want to let this pass me by if I have a chance at it because I love cardiac and have a passion for patient education! I really do love being a nurse, I just don't believe I am the best nurse I can be working where I am now. Please let me know your thoughts!