Thinking about the next step

[Workinghard123]

Hello all. I'm a new grad, I have about one year in at a step down unit. It is so stressful and I know I cannot work there for long term. I am thinking of my next step in life. It seems like the usual route is NP or teaching. A few of my coworkers are pursuing their MBA. Does anyone have any suggestions or comments about these paths? Can you tell me what accreditation I should be looking for when applying to schools as well? Thank you so much for your input

[TammyG]

Hello, I don't think anyone can give you advice since you have not disclosed much about yourself. However, I would not be eager to move to the "next step" after just one year. If you do not enjoy your job, there are lots of other RN jobs out there (both hospital based and not, acute care and not, full time and not, supervisory and not, administrative and not). There is no need to move on to NP school just because it is the next natural step, or MBA school or any other type of school. I started NP school part-time right after RN graduation because I thought it was the thing to do. It ultimately required me to leave a full-time job that I loved so that I could complete the program, and I have not enjoyed being an NP. I wish that I had given more thought to remaining an RN for several more years before taking that "next step."

Just my two cents.

If you do want to obtain additional education, the path depends on what you want to do, what you enjoy and don't enjoy out of nursing, and what your ultimate goals are.