Psych NP and family obligations

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, International Health, Psych.

I am interested in studying for a MSN Psychiatric NP, in fact I have already started the application process. Hopefully, I'll be accepted but I will be two years out from graduating. I would like to know of those practicing, do you have family-friendly schedules?

Are the job opportunities so abundant, as I hear, that you can decide your own schedule? I would like to have another child and am absolutely sick of shift work. Any input you can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work locums, right now in a CMHC 8-5 with hr off for lunch. My wife is in Bangkok most of the year...she just landed back in the states last night. My kids are at least 1 state away and I have no pets at the moment so my schedule is very family friendly. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not psych, but wanted to say that I think no matter the specialty (with maybe the exception of acute ?) you can make a proposal and find an office willing to give you somewhat of a family friendly schedule. However, you might have to make some tradeoffs in order to make it work. When I was interviewing before graduation, I was very apologetic about wanting part-time and I had zilch offers. It was weird though, once I stopped apologizing and simply stated how I needed it to be AND had a prepared list of benefits of hiring a part-time FNP...the job offers came out of the woodwork. Seriously!

I have found lots of offices who don't want the expense of a full-time provider but they need someone. Make a good impression at clinicals, keep your contacts going and you never know how things will turn out.

I work 2.5 days per week at a family practice office. I do not have my own nice big office , I have virtually no benefits (don't need them, my husbands job has wonderful benefits!). However, I job share with another provider and we are always flexing our times for our own personal needs. Summer is SUPER hard with school-aged kids who really don't want to go to daycare. Just keep an open mind, don't apologize and make a good impression!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion