Soon to be New Grad NP insight wanted!

[danceluver]

Hi all,

Just wanted to ask you all a question about post grad life from NP school. I have about a year left till I finish my Masters as an FNP. I am mentally exhausted right now. I have been in school for a few years now because nursing is my second career (so went back to get that BSN degree as well). Its not so much about finishing my program that makes me disinterested, it is the the life I will have after that. Studying more to get acclimated to a specialty is more what it is. I am just so tired of constantly being in student mode and feel like I have put my life on hold for the last few years. And post grad that lifestyle I feel still won't change and I feel stuck. I am at the point in my life, where other things in my life have become more of a priority besides my career and because I have been a student those things have not progressed as I would have liked it to. Going through clinicals right now as an FNP student is fine, but I am not that super excited as I thought I would be once upon a time. Its just meh.

Any positive thoughts, words of encouragement, or just telling me how it is after graduating?. I don't plan on working in primary care, that's why I feel that maybe I should quit while I am ahead and go back to the bedside which I didn't mind so much (NICU). I didn't work that long at the bedside, so I am not sure if I would have a better lifestyle and income a few years from now as an NP vs an RN. I could use some insight into this! If I can make more money & the lifestyle (working 3 days a week) as an RN is better, please do let me know those of you who have been working as an NP for a few years now. Like I said earlier I do not plan on working in primary care, so those who have gone into specialty practice post grad, how much of a learning curve did you experience, and was it worth it in amidst other things like starting a family, etc?

Thanks for any feedback you all can provide. It would be super helpful!!

[rnkaytee]

I definitely had a low patch in my 4th semester - a million things to get done plus a ton of clinicals. I graduated in May and started last month and I love being an NNP - probably not much more money than being a bedside nurse (I had 15 years experience when I went back) but so much more fulfillment and I actually enjoy going to the unit now. Hang in there - it's like drinking from a firehose but you can do it!

[orangepink, NP]

After graduation, I got a job in a specialty clinic. At first, it was a great kinda like a honeymoon period. Then reality kicks in such as in a privately owned clinic, they would overbook my schedule without my consent (I wasn't allowed to change my schedule. Part of the contract) and I had to help out the other physician who is overbooked as well. This is everyday all day Monday to Friday even Saturday. I lasted two years when I realize that I had more days off and free time with family as a bedside RN. Plus he wouldn't allow me to take a sick leave and if I go on vacation it had to be in conjunction with his vacation too.

What is the point of seeing so many patients when (a) I don't get rich. The MD does. He gets all the money. (B) when I can't spend time with my loved ones. I realized that life is about living not working oneself to death for an employer who quite frankly sees me as a cash cow.

I left the clinic and worked in a hospital. It was a rocky start but I so love my schedule. More time with family. More time for vacations.

My my advice to any new grad is to not jump straightaway and sign a contract. I know we all need that first job to get our foot in the door but protect yourself as well.