To FNP or... not?

barcode120x, RN, NP · May 13, 2023

If you are looking at pure money per year alone, FNP (on average), would make more than a bedside RN that is working the stand hours. I wouldn't go for your FNP if you are solely looking for an increase income. As a recent new grad FNP myself, I actually found it difficult to get a remote "FNP" position. To be more specific, there were "no full time remote positions". Remote working (telemedicine) is actually a part of most of the typical clinic positions, including the one I do. If you are looking for consistent hours, you more than likely will be looking into a typical M-F clinic that is salaried as an FNP. I am a sub-contractor as an FNP and get quite significantly paid more than the national average; however, it's not consistent hours or rather, wonky schedule and hours.

As I mentioned, money shouldn't be the only factor you are looking to get your FNP. What are your interests? Do you want to care for the adult population, the geriatric, etc? Do you want to work and sit in a clinic scenario M-F every day of the year? Will you be able to adjust your kids life with that of a working FNP? As much as there are many fields you can go into as an RN, there are several as well for an FNP, but definitely nowhere near as much.

As for the RN, I hear that travel nursing pays the most now followed by hospital nursing. You can look into travel agencies that have gigs for hospitals around your area since you are a parent. You don't necessarily have to go far and wide as an travel RN. If you enjoy your current position, you can consider picking up per diem positions for home health or hospice agencies. Although I hear the pay is not as great as a bedside nurse, it is still good supplemental income and I hear the workload can be much easier, just more paperwork/charting.