Time off after NP school?

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I'm looking to graduate from NP school by the end of 2015 and I was curious as to what exactly was everyone's input on taking time off or traveling for an extended period of time after graduation. There were quite a few topics on the new grad job market for RN's but not so much on NP's. I was intending to go travel around the world for 3 months to a year after graduation or at least after taking the boards. I didn't do this initially after graduating from my BSN because of fears about the job market but I don't want the opportunity to pass when I get too settled in with a family, bills, etc.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Have fun! I'm old, have a family, and doing this as a second career, I'd love to talk my wife into taking a few months off, let the kids burn the house down, etc. Maybe I should have the dogs stay with a friend.....

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We are graduating at the same. I plan on drinking fine wine in at least three European countries after getting my FNP license. LOL.

I say, if you can do it, go for it!!! My motto has always been "Everyone dies, but not everyone lives." My husband and I talked about taking 6 months off to travel after he finishes his military service in a few years. That gives me time to work and save up some $$$ beforehand. But if you can do it now, DO IT! Life is too short.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

It takes about three months to get licensed, prescriptive authority, and credentialed after you take the boards. Go for it, either before or after you find a job. Just be in a place you can mail/fax.

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I am thinking about taking a road trip after I pass my certification, similar to a trip I took back in the 80's . . . just get in the car and drive. Not sure when I'll have the opportunity again to do that.

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Time off is a much needed reward for all the hard work. I graduate in June 2015 and I have already started counting down. Especially for some of us who haven't had a break from school since undergrad. WE ALL DESERVE A BREAK. WHY NOT TRAVEL.

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Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Go...life passes quickly. Don't miss out on this opportunity. You likely won't reach the end of your life wishing you'd worked more!

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Specializes in Tele, Cardiac Post Op, ER.

I want to do this too. I have worked so hard for this licensure I want to celebrate and relax.

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Specializes in PICU.

I took 2 months off after boards and it was great. Just keep in mind it can take a long time to get your license and prescriptive authority and credentialing done. I got my job offer in April, took boards in June and my licensing and credentialing wasn't done until the end of October. And that was with me doing everything as fast as I could and calling and bugging the state to process my stuff. I didn't get my DEA until November, but I could work without that. So just keep that in mind when you're making your plans.

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I know this is an old topic...but I was thinking of taking a couple travel nursing assignments right after graduating with my FNP December 2015. Since it can take a while to get through all the credentialing I would love to give traveling a try and also get a feel for different areas of the country. I would also be doubling my income. I can't imagine hanging around working a severely underpaid job when I could be making much more money and enjoying the travel at the same time. What do you think?

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Specializes in Geriatrics/family medicine.

yeah since it takes awhile to hear back from the state I say take that trip. It is taking me longer then I expected to get my FNP, but I am gonna keep going and when I do finish I am gonna take vacation.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU.

Just curious - how much money does one put aside for a trip like this? I'm just trying to figure out how much I can work while in school so as not to accumulate too much debt once it's all said and done. Having the extra money to take an extended trip after graduation sounds amazing but not likely for my situation, lol!

If you can do it, I say go for it.

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