Stress level: RN vs. NP

Specialties NP

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To all the NP's here, I'm curious as to how you would rate your level of stress of your prior RN career to that of your current NP career. Please provide some background (i.e., current position, previous RN position).

Specializes in Cardiology, Research, Family Practice.

20 pts/day would be a dream. My max is 30, although I've pushed to 33 once or twice, and my average is probably around 27. Maybe 26.

...and a simple pap smear would be awesome.

In family practice, what happens is a pt schedules an appt for something like a pap (because that's what they think they need if they're having lady partsl discharge, they have no clue what a pap actually is). And while I'm here, my shoulder has been hurting. And now my ankle has started hurting. And this morning I had rectal bleeding. And I passed out in the parking lot. And I think I'm getting a cold but I don't have time to be sick so can you give me something to just knock it out.... an average of 26-27 times per day.

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It's a different kind of stress being an NP, and it depends on where you work and the kind of practice you work for, your boss, etc. but at least in my case, it's ALWAYS been "productivity, productivity," and I have worked in four different practices. I am not saying some have not been better than others, and I realize they need to be profitable to stay in business, but as an NP with all the required documentation for insurance reimbursement after I am done seeing patients I have 4 to 6 hours of charting per night, hence no life. I am going back to the floor when I am Medicare eligible, when I leave work I want to be done, and have a life again. I DO like being an NP, but the paperwork is killing me.

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Specializes in Assistant Professor, Nephrology, Internal Medicine.

Today I will see roughly 40 patients at three different LTC. I am a specialist so that number isn't nearly as daunting at face value. However, it will still take me roughly 12-13 hours including travel.

To answer the OPs question, this is a different kind of stress. Being a RN in a rough tele unit somewhat desensitized me to massive mental stress. That being said, I would say my role as a NP is slightly less stressful, but I recognize that I am bias for coming from a rather highly stressful RN job. I would think on average, being a NP is somewhat more stressful as the responsibility is so much greater.

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I am way less stressed as a psych NP then a psych RN (or SICU RN for that matter).

I see 15 pts a day max. Usually 12-14 with no shows. Two admissions max.

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No doubt it depends on your specific job, and what you personally find stressful.

For me, I find being an NP so much less stressful, that the comparison with any previous RN job I ever had is ludicrous.

As an NP, I have the amazing and blessed freedom to pronounce the patient's expectations unrealistic and inappropriate.

I can document, and move along with my day. And keep on billing and making money.

And I am fully believed and respected.

As an RN, I was repeatedly told I didn't know what I was talking about, and that only a doctor could properly evaluate the situation.

Then I was threatened and bullied.

Amazingly, none of this crap has happened to me since I got NP after my name.

Night and day difference.

Maybe my experience was unusual, but I encountered a bunch of moronic RNs.

Triple the salary ain't bad, neither.

Helps a whole bunch with stress when you can think about the restaurants reservations , travel and massages on your schedule.

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NP>>>RN

The buck stops with you as the NP. As the RN, you are able to collect information and then call the NP/MD whose job it is to make the decision on treatment. Far more responsibility falls on the NP. And, often times, you need to make a decision quickly with minimal information and just hope it was right - i.e. in ICU, post-op surgical patients, etc.

BUT, in my opinion, it's infinitely better. I would choose it again and again.

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Specializes in NICU.

As an RN, I was blamed to a ludicrous level if anyone had the slightest complaint. I was guilty until proven innocent

So true!

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Specializes in NICU.

Oh so you make over 300 K a year? Funny because the NP and PA found out what the Rns make and got very very upset.I am glad you are happy.

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In these parts, most RNs making more than 70 or 80 are doing back flips, with night shift differentials and major, major overtime.

None of which I am cut out for.

I got into the NP role to make a decent living, without working evenings or nights.

Weekend work is no big deal, especially if it isn't mandatory, and you are done by noon.

For what they do, most RNs are not very well compensated.

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Yeah, agreed. In my area RNs start out in the 50s base salary and even with differentials and over time they're not clearing 65-70. And length of experience means nothing. A brand new nurse and a nurse of 30 years will have an hourly rate difference of a dollar or two. A new NP here will make >30,000 more than a new RN and still significantly more than a RN with experience.

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I will preface this by saying, I am a brand new grad but I did have 10 years of nursing experience. I feel overwhelmed daily. I see 12-15 patients a day. I could honestly make more money as a nurse (especially when I worked weekend option). The stress is killing me! I am just hoping it will get better with time.

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I will preface this by saying, I am a brand new grad but I did have 10 years of nursing experience. I feel overwhelmed daily. I see 12-15 patients a day. I could honestly make more money as a nurse (especially when I worked weekend option). The stress is killing me! I am just hoping it will get better with time.

It will. Keep going.

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