Hi, so I am currently in an accelerated BSN program to become an RN and I absolutely love it so far. My program offers a dual-degree NP path and I just was wondering if anyone could give me some advice to help me decide if I want to pursue it. So far I love everything about nursing and having patient contact, love bedside nursing and I have no complaints. I've spoken to people and read a bunch of blogs that say NPs love their jobs 100x more than RNs, better hours, more money, more autonomous, more respect, etc. But I am worried I will lose beside nursing if I pursue an NP.
If I work as an NP, will I still be having a ton of direct patient contact? Will I be able to do bedside nursing, forming relationships with my patients? I know that NPs are often considered similar to doctors, but I still want to be a nurse at heart, and not lose what I've been enjoying doing so far. Does anyone have advice?