RN or NP: which role was more stressful?

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For those who practiced bedside as RNs (especially for a few years or more) and then became NPs: which role did, or do, you find more stressful? And why?

(asking as one who's very burned out at bedside and hoping the change will do me good).

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

APN without a doubt...think lawyers!!!

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

NP is the more intense! Nursing school & bedside nursing even in the ER was a piece of cake!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree.....my nursing exp was 2 yrs LPN, 1 yr RN Nursing home, 1yr RN adult ICU! 10 yrs RN level one trauma center. And yep APN is way more stressful

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I should've asked in my original post, please explain your answer.

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I'm curious too :shy:. Can someone elaborate?! TIA!

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I'm also interested in hearing more. Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences.

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

I must be doing something wrong because I am far less stressed as an NP than I ever was as an RN.

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Thanks, that's what I was waiting for someone to say. I'm looking for less stress!

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I must be doing something wrong because I am far less stressed as an NP than I ever was as an RN.

Why do you think that is?

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Why do you think that is?

Less stressed as NP. I do have to worry about getting sued and negative outcomes. Still I feel like I have more control of my career and day to day work and therefore less overall stress.

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I think it depends on what kind of stress, and how it affects you personally.

As an RN, the stress was about getting all my tasks done in a timely manner while responding to the needs of patients, families, doctors, coworkers, and of course charge nurses/management. Sometimes the stress was because there was nothing I could really change about my situation or work life.

As an NP, the stress is about my responsibility to my patient (and yes, fear of litigation if I make a mistake). But if I take some time, double check my decisions, and study up on things I'm unsure of, I ultimately have the control to change the situation that caused the stress.

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