Should I quit NP school?

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Jan 12

It's not failure to decide on a different path. It sounds like you really like your current job, and it's wise to take some things off your plate when you're pregnant. You're not going to be bored with a new baby!

I had to pause NP school in 2018 due to financial constraints. I am back in it now, at a different, less expensive school. I don't look at my decision to leave in 2018 as a failure, but rather a realization that it wasn't the right time for me. And I had less reason than you do to take a break!

You can go back later if you decide to. You could also decide to transfer the credits you have to MSN in education or administration. Or enter a DNP program.

Sometimes you've got to muster up the motivation and finish something. I'm in this boat right now, trying to gear myself up and finish. But I have not been happy with my RN career for several years, my children are all grown, and the time is right for me.

Nurse7995 · Jan 12

Thanks so much! I appreciate your insight as you've been in a similar situation! My school only let's me take a one year break and then basically I would have to start over which seems crazy to me. This decision would be so much easier if I knew I could just finish it out in a few years.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Jan 12

Yes, my first school had an official policy to let me take 3 semesters off, and if I did not come back, I would have to reapply. I didn't come back. But they did ask if I wanted to come back for a few semesters more, there was leeway in the policy.

It might be worthwhile to talk to an advisor about your concerns. I think having a baby might qualify you to take a bit more leave.

Some schools allow more transfer credits than others. If you decide to take a break now and want to go back in a few years, you might go that route.

movenurse · Jan 15

I was in a similar situation recently. I stopped NP school right when my clinicals were starting because it was the same time COVID started. I picked it back up when COVID was winding down but I also had a new baby at that time. I got through 2 clinicals with only 3 left and decided it was NOT for me. It was too much with a new baby, a husband that traveled constantly for work, and I was still working part time. Plus, the perks of being an NP just weren't incentive enough for me to keep going. I gave it some serious thought and decided to just walk away even though I only had 3 clinicals left. The only thing I regret is the extra loans I had to take out. I still get emails and texts from the school asking if I want to to re-enroll, so that tells me if I change my mind down the road it'll still be an option. Ultimately, just do whatever you feel is best for you and know that it's OK for you to change your mind.

I wish you all the best with your new bundle of joy on the way!!

gennn19, BSN, RN · Jan 15

If it makes you feel better, I quit NP school with only 2.5 semesters left until graduation. And I wasn't even pregnant LOL. I have no kids, not married, no overwhelming life circumstance other than I realized that far in that I actually completely hated it. And that was really taking a toll on my mental health at the time. I told myself the same thing you did: what's the point of finishing a degree I don't plan on using? It was a very difficult time because I tend to care a lot about what other people think and everyone around me kept telling me to just finish it. Even one of my professors scheduled a call with me one night after I told him my intent to quit (not to brag but I was apparently one of his best students and was doing very well in the program overall —3.9 GPA) and spoke with me for over an hour trying to reason with me and get me to change my mind. But I was done. I valued my mental health. Like another poster said, it just was not the right time.

I quit with no regrets. That was 2 years ago. Occasionally I do wonder what could have been if I did finish the degree. But I just do not see myself as a provider in that capacity. While I'm still stuck at the bedside, I'm trying to figure out what my next path is and make sure it's something that I will genuinely enjoy. Like people said in this thread, you can always go back or transfer your credits. I'm considering perhaps switching to nursing education or even just finishing the NP now that I'm in a better place and using it for education because education is something I am actually passionate about. But I listened to my heart 2 years ago and my heart just wasn't in it. So I wholeheartedly believe I made the best decision for myself at the time. I'm sure you will as well. Best of luck :)

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jan 17

If your heart is not in it, don't force yourself to continue. It is a big commitment to go through the program, prepare for boards, and look for a job that will be a good fit for you. Plenty of nursing jobs do not involve any advanced practice education and still bring job satisfaction to many. Using NP as a back up is not going to be a good idea because you're either in it to be part of it or you are not. I work with many bedside RNs who have NP education but never transitioned to the role. I think it will be hard for them to transition the longer they stay as a bedside RN.

Nurse Meg, BSN, RN · Jan 18

I agree with Corey – there are many nursing roles that don't require advanced practice education, and some of them can be quite lucrative. If financial gain is your primary motivator, I would suggest seeking both financial opportunity and passion elsewhere (both can be true in the same role). Over time, if you're unhappy in your job, the money won't make a difference.

I'm not an advanced practice nurse myself, but I've worked as a Director of Nursing and have close friends and colleagues who are. Trust your instincts. You always have the option to take a break, as your program allows, and see if your perspective changes, but it seems like you've already come to a decision and just wanted to check in.