Thinking of giving up FNP program

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 10, 2018

If you're overwhelmed and aren't sure you even want to be an NP, it's time to take a break from the program.

Oldmahubbard · Jun 10, 2018

I was overwhelmed, had anxiety and depression largely related to work, and I took a year off from my NP program 15 years ago. I was able to go back and finish.

Some NP's do make very good money, and some don't. There are many factors at play. I know a few FNPs who make in the 175-200k range. There are some practices that pay for productivity, but you wouldn't start out at that level.

The low 100's is more common. You have to ask yourself if you would still be interested in the job at that compensation level.

DowntheRiver · Jun 10, 2018

The low 100's is more common.

Not in my area in Florida. Most new grads are looking at $80,000-$85,000.

Oldmahubbard · Jun 10, 2018

Not in my area in Florida. Most new grads are looking at $80,000-$85,000.

Horrendous, and why would anyone bother? Is there a glut?

Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP · Jun 11, 2018

I love my job. I do make more than i did as an RN. More importantly i have normal hours and I am treated as a professional. I wouldn't want to go back to floor nursing ......ever.

allnurses Guide · Jun 11, 2018

I just graduated with my BSN last december and took about a 2 month break then started FNP school online at south university while I'm travel nursing too at the same time. I'm extremely overwhelmed, I'm thinking I should've let myself have maybe a year break or something and I just don't want to do it anymore, I'm about 3 classes in and 7K in debt so far to the program. I just really feel like is it even worth it to go for FNP? I currently work ER at a level I trauma center and I love it, I don't feel overly stressed at work and I love my coworkers. I was thinking to myself, do I really want to go through all this school and studying when I could just be enjoying my life in beautiful florida with great people?? Do FNP's even make that much more than RN's?? I heard they don't but I've also heard crazy figures. Anyways money hasn't always been my number one priority as I don't spend much and I'm not flashy but hey making more is always a good thing right??? Should I drop the program and maybe start it up later or a year from now?? I don't know my drive for school is just not there anymore. I haven't taken a long break from school since I could remember. Even since highschool I always did summer school each year to get ahead, So i've really not had a summer break to myself since I was..... 14 maybe?
Any and all information would be helpful, Thanks in advance!!!

You are overwhelmed and you don't have a single compelling reason to continue from what you've told us. Take a break and enjoy your life for awhile.

Cococure · Jun 11, 2018

If you are happy at your job no need to rush. Also really ask yourself why you're pursuing a FNP degree? If it's just for the money you are already making a decent living and travel nursing pays really well. Take a break evaluate...enjoy the beach and decide whether or not it's worth it....$7k is much easier to pay off than realizing at the end it's not what you want....just my 2 cents.

Please enjoy the Florida beaches...I do miss it :-) not sure where u are but central Florida grads are making approx $90k starting and some even more.

EDAPRN1215 · Jun 11, 2018

It does sound like you just need to take a break and reconsider later! The average starting salaries for NP's

In my area is definitely 80-90 K depending on where you are in SC. The Southeastern area does not pay well and yes, in many areas there are far more NP's than jobs. However, there are many more rural areas or even just areas not close to major cities where there are many opportunities so there are many variables!!! You can definitely make a good salary as a travel RN and enjoy life with far less stress. All about timing and whether or not now is right for you!!! I wish you the best as you make your decision.

danceluver · Jun 11, 2018

How much do non-travel RNs make in the southeast? Can it be more than FNPs but with significant overtime, nights or weekends?

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Jun 11, 2018

Don't withdraw completely, ask them for a break, you don't want to lose $$ you have already invested in.

DrNalepa · Jun 11, 2018

I don't think you gave yourself enough time to adjust to nursing. Yes, money is good, but so is a good work environment where you like your coworkers. See how long they will keep your work active. Give yourself a break and be a good nurse. If FNS is what you really want or need it will come, maybe later than you thought, but why strap yourself down with bills and be unhappy? Traveling nurses make great pay and is a good way to see the United States. My niece got her degree (BSN) and was never put into a place where she could get the experience she needed. She decided before she had children to go where she could make more money and help people. On the way she got the experience she needed, the money she wanted, and saw a great part of the US. When she decided to become a nurse anesthetist she joined the Army Reserve, they paid her way and she served out her 5 years and has done very well. That may be something you may want to look into. The branches of service could help you, and who knows you may find you like it after 5 years and 15 more and you can retire still young and then have a career outside the service. My friend went to Air Force Naval Academy. Graduated. The AF sent him to medical school. Counted as his service. They then sent him to become an Oncologists. He retired at the age of 38 a Colonel and after than moved to Wyoming where there is lot of sun and set up practice. He met a cardiac nurse while in service and they married. Not to bad. Something to think about for your pocketbook).