Should I mention this to my coworkers?

Alicia777, MSN, NP · Aug 10, 2014

Well, I guess you have to think about the pros and cons. If everyone *did* know they'd be more willing to switch shifts/weekends etc if you need to get papers written or clinical. Plus, in the off chance you have free time you could search uptodate etcetera without lookie-Lou's over your shoulder wondering if you have X disease.

On the other hand, the pressure will be off while you're looking for a job. 2 yrs of keeping the secret might be a pretty ambitious though..

I told everyone, and my mangers switched my shifts to accommodate my clinicals, but now I'm in that situation of trying to find a job whilst my co-workers keep asking if I've found a position yet.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Aug 10, 2014

I have had nothing but positive support from my coworkers. I never even contemplated keeping it a secret, figured it was just a matter of when I was going to tell people. As was mentioned about keeping a secret for that long, especially one that is going to impact your available time to this degree is near impossible.

caliotter3 · Aug 10, 2014

There was an LVN who always let it be known when she was gearing up for her next try at the RN boards (she habitually failed, somewhere at around 15 or so tries). Her mood and demeanor deteriorated and everyone figured it out anyway. I'll bet she would have wished that she never opened her mouth about it the first time. After that many tries, there wasn't a lot of sympathy or empathy from her coworkers.

I think I would opt for low key. If you need any accommodations, mention to your supervisor, but still keep things low key with the others. Things like this have a way of creating unwelcome tension which you may want to avoid.

TammyG · Aug 11, 2014

Most employers give some type of tuition reimbursement, at least up to a certain level. So you may want to disclose it for this reason. In any event, since going to NP school was such a big part of my life, I wanted people to know so that I could feel free to talk about it when I saw fit. No one really cared. Lots of other nurses were in school for one thing to another. One was in a MPH program and several were in BSN programs. Most people are too involved in their own lives to really worry about someone else's.

I don't really understand why you think your disclosure would create tension. Do you think your coworkers will be jealous because they have not been able to act on their goal? Quite the opposite, they may be very encouraging or may be encouraged by your taking this step.

nyc2011 · Aug 11, 2014

Hello all for the great input. I truly appreciate it.

Well, I plan on working for only one out of the three years of the school. Then I will stop working.

I know this post may sound odd to some but I guess since I have been through hardships I do not want any further tension in the workplace. I guess stemming from the fact that yes others may feel jealous? Its a natural feeling. Also, I feel you are kind expected to be more knowledgable? I feel some may say well of course she should know that esp because she's in np school! what the heck (these kind of childish things I feel would happen)

But honestly, I understand that if I did mention it, then it would be "Easier" in the sense that if I needed off then I could ask coworkers to switch. Although even at this time, it is hard for people to switch their schedules in general.

I do not want to do tuition reimbursement because that means I would have to work 1.5 years instead of just one. Thus, I have no plans in doing that because I am actually physically tired of bedside nursing. So no plans of doing that, but I understand this consideration for sure. Thank you for mentioning that!

If anyone has been in this situation please give me input ! I feel amazing that I have gotten in but never realized the feeling that I would get of what should I Do!

Another question I Did have is in nurse practitioner school was there assignments that you needed to tie in to your everyday job? I am asking this because if i were to get out of hospital nursing while I start school, would that serve as a disadvantage to me?

Thank you thank you again for taking the time to write to me !!! I really appreciate it. Hope everyone has a great day.

newFNP2015 · Aug 11, 2014

Another question I Did have is in nurse practitioner school was there assignments that you needed to tie in to your everyday job? I am asking this because if i were to get out of hospital nursing while I start school, would that serve as a disadvantage to me?

I haven't had any assignments that directly tie into what I am doing NOW, but rather based on my experience which could include anything nursing related. Often it was about nursing leaders that I had witnessed or about a clinical situation. I have been working in a non-direct patient care job for a while now and it has not hindered my ability to complete assignments.

BiotoBSNtoFNP · Aug 11, 2014

I am in NP school now and sometimes, we do get assignments or have discussion that involve our current work however it's not absolutely necessary to be currently working. It may be easier to think about what youve learned in np school and apply it to situations at work OR practice assessments at work, but not telling your coworkers that you are in school shouldnt be a problem with assignments. It's only a problem when students have no experience and have nothing to contribute !

nyc2011 · Aug 12, 2014

Well thank you everyone for your input I am grateful for that!

Any general tips for nurse practitioner school (family practice track)?

THank you !

werlp · Aug 13, 2014

I can relate a little to your situations. I did tell my boss because I needed her to be flexible with my scheduling, especially when clinical hours started. But I didn't really want everyone in the floor knowing, mostly because I didn't want them to think I was bragging. I work with a lot if nurses who have their diploma degree (no problem there, I was one) and do not want to go any further. These nurses tend to make little comments like, oh your so smart. So I opted to tell my boss and just let everyone think I was still in school without saying for NP. Most of the floor has since found out, buy I still never talk about it at work unless someone asks me a specific question.

Just my preference for my situation.

Good luck!!