To NP or not to NP

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I have been working as an ED nurse for 10 years. Most days I love my job but it takes it's toll physically and emotionally. Going back for my NP seems like a logical choice however there are factors that have me questioning whether it's worth it. I currently work per diem and make right around what it seems is the average salary for NP's in Phoenix. However this is working an average of 48 hours a week with no benefits of any kind. I am 45 years old and the programs I've looked at I wouldn't be able to start until next summer and they take 3 years. Making me 49 when I graduate with probably another 50k in student loans. I'm just looking for the perspective of other nurses. Is it worth it to get your NP even if you are a little older and if so are there any schools you would recommend?

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Specializes in Surgery.

I think if I were in your shoes I would not go back to school. You have to weigh the real possibility of making the same salary as a new grad NP that you are making as an experienced nurse now.

Not trying to bum you out just being a realist!

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

If you find a cheaper school and you want that type of change it may be worth it.

I think I got my MSN/FNP for at MOST half of that! I spent between $1500-3000 each semester for about 8-9 semesters.....1-2 classes at a time.

If you find a decent paying job (and make sure it has potential for bonus!) you can easily make 6 figures (if you're not already). IF I was your age and making what I make as a NP I'm not sure if I'd go through with it. If I wanted a change from ED I might consider PACU or cath lab or something just...different.

Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

My biggest question wouldn't be based off salary or age, but rather, do you want that ROLE and the job description of an NP? If you do, then I would go for it!

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Why are you working 48 hrs without benefits? Why not take your solid experience and work yourself into a better position/hours? At 49 I'd rather make less/work less but have good benefits without a loan.

And honestly, I rarely read or hear about NP's that love their jobs. If it were a fantasy job then yeah, but to trade in one butt busting job for another that comes with a loan, no way.

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Specializes in Med-surg (peds and adult).

OK, this is coming from an NP who is going back to bedside nursing...just make sure you do your homework and carefully consider what working environment you want. Acute care NP (and I can't speak for this) jobs would be very different than primary care NP jobs. Neither is easy, or easier than bedside nursing, as many nurses think it might be. They are just different roles requiring a different skill set. As primary care NP, I worked long hours doing exactly what the MDs in the practice did, for a fraction of the pay. Many small practices cannot afford to offer benefits for their providers. I, personally did not enjoy being cooped up in an exam room all day. Jobs are also much more scarce, so there is little room for salary negotiation. If you enjoy ER, you might enjoy being an ER or Urgent Care NP. But you may lose some of the flexibility that you have as a bedside nurse. I would try to arrange some shadowing experiences with NPs in different settings/specialties. Good luck!

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Thanks all for the great advice, it's nice to get a different perspective.

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