questions for FNP's

[bayouchick02]

I know there are quite a few FNP's on this site, so I have a few questions for y'all:

1)I know that fnp's can virtually work in any specialty (peds, ob/gyn, fast track ER, family practice, planned parenthood, etc) but my question is does it matter what specialty one got their RN experience from before practicing as an NP?? (for example: nicu/women's services background but want to work in peds or planned parenthood as an NP)

2) what is a typical day like working in an outpatient setting? do you take call? work weekends? or does all that depend on where one is working?

3) is the work as an NP (particularly outpatient setting) more/less stressful than working as a staff nurse?

I'm just trying to explore my career options here, so any input is greatly appreciated!!!!! :wink2:

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I'm an adult health CNS but function as an APN.

1. My nursing experience was 10 years level one ER and 1 year ICU and 1 year LTC. As an APN my full time job is in nephrology and I work part time in an ER also.

2. Many variables to schedule. I typically work 8am to 4:30 but I work a very flexible schedule: today for instance, I worked 8:30 to 5:30 and tomorrow, I'm working 7:30 to 3:30 or so. I do take call every fifth weekend and on those weekend, I go to two hospitals 55 miles away and do rounds on our practice's pts. This past weekend, I was on call and left my house at 6am and got home at 7pm each night - it was busy.

Good luck.