What should I do?

[raindrop]

I've been dancing around with the idea of NP for a very long time. Last month, I applied at 2 different universities and had phone interviews at both. I found out today that I am accepted at my #1 Uni preference. Yippy Yayy!!

I have been a stepdown nurse since 2005, and traveling in stepdown across the country consistently the last 5 years. Some of the SD's can be considered ICU's, other SD's are more Med-surg/Telemetry. Either way, stick a fork in me, I am done.

I want to take a much easier job while I'm in school. The NP program is going to take me around 3-ish years to complete, I am also getting a post-masters as a MHNP.

I have an opportunity to work at a Convent as a RN Educator for the nursing department. In case anyone isn't familiar with what a convent is, it is a place where Catholic Nun's live. This convent has 85 nuns, ages 80-105, and the nursing department is very small, a couple of RN's/LPN's and CNAs. The pay is decent, the stress level, zero.

My only concern is when I graduate in 3-ish years that my recent experience in the Convent will put me at the bottom of the list when I apply for jobs. But I tend to let negative thinking get the best of me. I like to think it will not matter; after all, there are many NP's who barely have any bedside experience before getting their NP.

I know I could continue to work PRN at the hospital, but I really do not want to. I don't want to shoot myself in the foot, either. My ultimate goal is to work as a MHNP or FNP in a clinic.

[WestCoastSunRN, MSN, CNS]

You have many years of clinical experience. Plus, unless you are going for acute care NP, I don't think you need to stay in acute care. You will benefit from your past clinical experience, for sure (don't let anyone tell you you won't -- even as an FNP -- sorry, tangent. It's a personal pet peeve).

I don't see the convent job hurting you. Sounds like a dream! I'd take it.

[raindrop]

Yes, a dream job for sure. The DON even told me I can study at work if there is down time, and there will be.

I guess I will keep the faith and go for it! Thanks!

[AnnieNP, MSN, NP]

Definitely a dream job!!!

[cmonlaf, MSN, RN]

I would take it! I do not think you would be shooting yourself in the foot at all. In the future if a prospective employer asks you why the change in workplace setting, just tell the truth and state that you needed something that worked better with school. Makes sense. You still have years of clinical experience regardless.

[LibraSunCNM, BSN, MSN, CNM]

As others have said, you have enough solid clinical experience that taking this job while you're in school should not be a detriment to your future job search. I'd take it and run!!!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to student NP forum - congrats

[AlwaysLearning247, BSN]

I can see how/why you would think you wouldn’t get a job but I really don’t think there will be an issue! You have tons of experience and will be doing clinical hours to obtain your NP on top of that! Congrats!!

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

Take it, but just realize that you many not be able to do a 9 to 5 day time job once you start clinicals. I was able to work full time while doing my core courses, but once clinicals & didactics started, I stopped working so I could focus solely on school.

No one is going to fault you for not working while you're in school. You can't work full time in an MD or PA program, so don't think it's a negative while in NP school. You have plenty of experience as a nurse prior to starting your NP program. I think you'll do just fine ?

[db2xs]

@raindrop Congrats on getting your dream job! Sounds great!

This is just my opinion but I don't think your convent job will put you at the "bottom of the list" for jobs. Maybe for an acute care, emergency medicine position, but with all your years of experience? I doubt anyone else will really care.

Honestly, at the end of the day it is your life and your happiness. Life is too short to be miserable--enjoy every moment of it and remember that you are not "messing up" or doing something wrong. Everyone has their own path to tread. And how many people get the chance to be a nurse in a convent? That is very unique.