Transitioning from bedside RN to NP

Guest1144461 · Oct 8, 2021

I don't understand this pervasive delusion that being an NP is somehow a better "work life" balance with better pay.

I did a year-long fellowship and worked 90 hours a week. I got destroyed. I am now working well into my role and comfortable. BUT its still much more stressful, I work longer hours at times, my responsibility dwarfs being an RN 100x and I take work home. The money is borderline. Experienced staff nurses or nurses working incentive make more than me (ESPECIALLY now), travel nurses make my salary look like a joke.

I am sorry but just by looking at your post, NP school seems like a poor option. Keep your job

FNP2019, MSN, APRN · Oct 8, 2021

100% agree with Numenor. NP is an entirely different role, with its own downsides. The hours may not be better (especially if you count admin time that’s often off the clock or call). If you want more money, spending 6 figures on a new degree isn’t a good way to do it. And honestly, RNs making overtime routinely make more than their NP colleagues. I’d say you’re extremely lucky to have a job you love, especially in the current state of healthcare now.

RN/WI, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Oct 8, 2021

On 10/5/2021 at 9:43 PM, Millerea197 said:

I am wondering if there is anyone who went on in school to become an NP and ended up missing their bedside nursing position? Or didn't miss it at all? What made the transition easier and what was the hardest part? I'm an L+D nurse currently, but the 12 hour shifts are not working with my work life balance. I have frequently thought about going back to school for the prospect of better hours, higher salary, more education. My stopping block is, I love my job and I'm scared I'll miss it. I have a young child at home so the time commitment of going back to school is also giving me so much anxiety. How did you know it was time to go back to school? Would you suggest waiting until you feel you are 100% all in?

Better hours, higher salary, - I was paid better as a travel nurse than NP. It is costly to keep up NP requirements and RN travel pay is better. Time involved in day depending on where one works, is sometimes free administrative time , if on salary. Enjoy time with your young child. Revisit if you want to be in the saturated NP market after your child is older. Just my honest opinion:) Good Luck in your decision. I agree with the previous posters information as well.

Maurita Joyce · Oct 8, 2021

I agree with the nurses who spoke about travel nursing offering more money, more freedom and a better work life balance depending on your circumstances. I became a travel nurse and I was able to see the world, work when I wanted and I had more control over variables pertaining to my job. I then created a business teaching other nurses to do the same. Leave a comment on the video if you're interested in more information. Being a NP will be fulfilling for some but it one way, not the only way to capitalize on your nursing skill. https://youtu.be/orrOVz_b4C4

Miss.Jersey, MSN, APN · Oct 30, 2021

The benefits and drawbacks of getting your APN very greatly by circumstance. Working in the ER during covid was super high risk and stressful, especially before the vaccine, a lot of pressure. I had no control over my assignment or load/acuity, regardless of the safety to the patient or myself, I got whatever patients I got. Even when I had an active stroke and somebody came in with chest pain, while having two other patients monitored d/t chest pain. The weight and sense of responsibility and liability was high. As a staff nurse, I was averaging about $38 an hour, but Plus benefits.

Yes, you can get a lot of money traveling as a nurse right now due to the pandemic. Those rates are not going to stay that way, and it comes with long hours, challenging working conditions, and a lot of stress. And of course it has its benefits as well.

You don't have to spend six figures to get your apn. I did it for $30,000. My rise in income alone could pay that off this year.

If you prefer bedside nursing, that's great. It's a very much needed profession. If you prefer expanding your scope, making your own diagnosis and treatment plans, and possibly running your own private practice, doing things your way, getting the APN might be for you.

I wanted to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner because I saw a need in my own family go unmet, due to the lack of providers available. I wanted to be the one making decisions instead of deferring to a doctor, and believed that I could learn to do it well, with passion, and bring a holistic piece to mental health care beyond pills as well. I want people to be heard, and feel respected. I have plans to create a nurturing and healing environment of my own, as a private practice. Incorporating therapist, meditation and yoga instructors, life coaches, nutritionist, anyone who wants to join my cause. This is my passion. It also will pay extremely well.

I might continue on to a PhD. I love the idea of teaching, and seem to have naturally fallen into that role in my new position as an apn. Teaching patients, and the many therapists on staff, regarding the medical aspects of care, whenever the opportunity arises. Everyone seems to enjoy it, and benefit from it.

Since working as a nurse practitioner, I no longer answer to people like I did before. The care I provide is at my discretion, while welcoming and respecting input from others. When I advocate for what I need, such as how frequently I need to see a patient or how much time I need for a patient, it happens. I don't deal with any drama from pushback when I delegate, like I did as a nurse on the floor. I basically work as a one woman show, and collaborate with peers and colleagues to reach a unified goal as needed.

At least for psychiatric nurse practitioners in my area, the need is great. That means I command good pay, and flexibility in my working terms. I make $73 an hour, and require 30 minutes with each patient for a follow-up, and an hour for new patients. On 12-hour days, which was my request, I have an hour of administration time at the end of the day, an hour-long lunch break as well. I use that time to eat lunch but also catch up on charting so that I don't work past my designated time. I don't take unfinished work home with me.

For me, the new role of APN is somehow less stressful than previous roles. I did not anticipate this, I'm pleasantly surprised. I'm excited, eager to learn new things, planning for a healing practice of my own, with a lot of options for income producing opportunities if I choose. Some of those opportunities could be $100 or more an hour, but for now I'm content to have a good work life balance. And take time to learn my craft more.

I know this is a long spiel, I just wanted to put my experience/perspective out there if it's helpful.