Stupid Questions, can someone help?

[kuhaines]

I am working in the ER and was thinking of going back to school for my rn-msn. I was thinking of do private practice with a Dr. or another Np. Should I talk to a doctor and try to get in with one now, or should I wait to I graduate? Or should I stay in the ER they said they would be interested in hiring me to be a NP for them. Which would pay better? I think the office would have better hours. Also can your prescribe when working with a Dr and in NP school? Do you need to be under there license or can you get your own? A friend of mine was telling me he could but he is another state than I am. Thank you so much

[LauRN_89]

As far as I know in TH we are not able to practice as an NP until you graduate except maybe in clinical...also, depending on what outpatient offices you are looking at, hospitals typically pay more for RNs, which could help with the cost of grad school. Since you already work there they may also be more willing to be flexible with scheduling. It's a very individual decision, though. Good luck!

[LauRN_89]

TN not TH...auto correct really bugs me sometimes...

[newFNP2015]

Variations in pay are likely related to your area. In my area, ER pay is approximately $10-15 more per hour, but would likely require 10-12 hour shifts, weekends, call, holidays, sometimes varying days/nights, etc. Most of the ER jobs in my area are also part of a "provider group" which utilizes MDs, NPs, and PAs in multiple locations. Clinic is usually cut and dry hours working with a specific practice of providers (in whatever capacity). As far as working under an MD, it varies by state. You will always work under the license of another provider (MD, DO, NP, PA, etc) as a student because you do not have the license to act in that capacity.

I would not worry about trying to "get in" with any providers at this time, but rather focus on finding and applying to programs suiting your needs. Through your clinicals, you will create relationships with area providers for possible employment. From my experience, most clinics don't hire RNs for patient care because its not cost effective. I have plenty of classmates who currently work in the ER while in school and will likely have the option to be hired on in their ER or take an offer from a clinical site. There is always the possibility of being hired from an outside source as well.

[BritFNP]

You cannot prescribe as a student. In texas, even as a "graduate NP", you cannot Rx. We actually don't even have that status anymore. (Do still have graduate RN). You have to have everything cosigned as a student and again, cannot prescribe (you are not licensed).

Most doctors offices do not have RN's. They can hire a medical assistant to do the small tasks that the office needs (RN not necessary). Unless of course you want to work for $10/hr, I'm sure they would be thrilled! I agree with backtoschoolmurse, now is not the time to think about getting in with any providers. If you are doing a RN-MSN, you likely wouldn't have clinical for literally years. I also agree with LauRN that ER will pay exponentially better, but hours will probably be 12 hours shifts/occasional weekends as with nursing.