quality of work life balance

Published

hello,

I know it depends on the specialty/status, and job, but what is your work/life balance like?

I'm very hesitant to go to NP school because I LOVE my 3 day work week and I actually love my staff nurse job. I'm scared to be miserable, overworked and tired. However I crave furthering my education and growth opportunity.

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I work 4 days-2 8s and 2 10s. I don't work weekends or holidays. I don't feel overworked and I'm never mandated to stay late or come in on my days off. It's a great balance for me!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Urology.
hello,

I know it depends on the specialty/status, and job, but what is your work/life balance like?

I'm very hesitant to go to NP school because I LOVE my 3 day work week and I actually love my staff nurse job. I'm scared to be miserable, overworked and tired. However I crave furthering my education and growth opportunity.

Thanks!

Sounds like a moral dilemma. You should really be thinking about other questions as well.

How is the job market for NP's in my area?

Is there an added expense either monetarily or personally (family, your current love for your job, etc)

Is NP the right route for you to further your education and are there other options that might suit me better?

Is furthering my education going to put me in a better situation than what I am in right now?

It sounds to me you need to do some personal decision making before you are even ready to make a decision like this. Best of luck on whatever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
hello,

I know it depends on the specialty/status, and job, but what is your work/life balance like?

I'm very hesitant to go to NP school because I LOVE my 3 day work week and I actually love my staff nurse job. I'm scared to be miserable, overworked and tired. However I crave furthering my education and growth opportunity.

Thanks!

It's hard to beat the 3-day work week.

Most out-patient NPs work more standard hours, weekdays 3.5-5 days per week for full-time. The nice part is having weekends and holidays off. Hospitalist NPs, at least around here, work 7 days of 12s then have 7 days off. Retail NPs, around here, work a 4 day then 3 day week and alternate weekends.

I am not miserable. I love my job, sometimes I work longer hours but it's because I want to work them, I enjoy them. There is something invaluable about that. I don't take vacation unless I am going away because I would rather be at work. That's the reason you should think about changing, because you want the role.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I like that advice. thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

Idk. I sit at a desk, wear business attire, and work Monday through Thursday. Period.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

well if you love your staff nurse position and hours why change? Nothing wrong with that!

Its all a balance, spokes on the wheel, all points of life should be smooth for a easier ride....

that being said for me I feel I can impact patients lives in a different way as a NP, better hours, better pay, more headaches in a vague sort of way but thats life. I have never looked back...

Its what that works for you.

A

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Surgery.

I'd say my work/life balance is much improved since become an NP. I make 20K more than when I was an RN-4 days a week, no call, no weekends/holidays..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I work M-F days, no weekends or holidays, performing desk, communication and education. Good pay. I didn't have to spend more years and money in school while trying to make a living, nor did I have to put in a first couple of rough years learning a completely new role. You could say I transitioned seamlessly with nothing but past experience getting me through the door, debt free.

You love what you do now, you could advance from that platform.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion