Why did you become a Nurse Practitioner?

crr1987 · Mar 18, 2014

Hello

I'm a pediatric ICU RN currently enrolled in an FNP program.

I'm going to NP school for several reasons.

1. It's a rewarding and challenging role our healthcare system needs

2. It allows for a regular schedule in or out of the hospital setting

3. It offers a salary I'm comfortable with

4. I can teach RN students at the university I'm currently attending

chillnurse, BSN, RN, NP · Mar 18, 2014

No drama

futureeastcoastNP · Mar 18, 2014

I'm starting my FNP program soon. I chose to go this route because:

1. I knew from the start that I wanted to be a provider. I really enjoy learning pathophysiology and pharmacology, and how to treat specific illnesses. I knew I didn't want to go the med school route because of the debt and time commitment, especially during residency. Between PA and NP, I preferred the PA education model but the fact that NPs can be independent and under their own license won out.

2. I could never work as a bedside nurse for longer than a year. The 12 hour shifts, working holidays, lack of respect by patients and managers, the expectation that we should always be the martyr, every other weekend, overnights, etc, etc. I loved my patients but the set up of the job just isn't for me. Working in a community health clinic M-F 8am to 4pm that is closed holidays is a much nicer option.

BostonRN13 · Mar 19, 2014

1. Increased autonomy

2. A chance to learn new skills and challenge myself

3. Job opportunity in many areas and a modest pay raise

4. Lifestyle- no more call shifts , no holidays or off- shifts

Retired APRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Mar 19, 2014

1. I discovered that I was a better clinician than administrator.

2. I found that I was particularly good at interventions that were more in the NP realm than the floor nurse realm.

3. I discovered a huge interest in psychopharmacology.

4. I wanted greater independence in practice.

KansasFNP · Jul 16, 2014

I became a NP because I love being a nurse. As nurses we are taught to relate to individuals, look at the details, and approach health from a psychosocial model that takes environment and interpersonal relationships into account when addressing disease and wellness. I never wanted to "escape" bedside nursing. I wanted to advance my nursing skills to provide a higher level of care to the clients I work with. The next logical step to this was implementing the pathophysiologic/medical model and integrating this with the psychosocial model to provide holistic care.

kisstheskykneel · Jul 19, 2014

I'm retired now, but I chose to become an NP because it seemed like the next logical step. I wanted more autonomy after several years in critical care. The increase in pay and more normal working hours were also attractive, but the primary reason was the patient. I would serve them more fully as an NP. Caring for the whole person within the framework of their family and community was the driving force behind my choice. It's was a privilege to be in that position, and I loved it!

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Aug 1, 2014

I'm in CNM school, which is not techinically an NP but oh well. I was originally trained as a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife). I was licensed in florida and did home and hospital births. It was GREAT, but the pay was shockingly low and the hours were insane. When my daughter was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I decided I needed to A) move back to New England so I could be close to my family, and B) get a job with a better work life balance and more money.

So, I went to nursing school with the specific goal of becoming a CNM. I work as an RN in LDRP right now, and while I love caring for families, I really do not enjoy being a floor nurse. I like collaborating with physicians. I like managing care and making diagnoses. I like catching babies, and suturing, and doing complex procedures. I hope someday the stupid physician only laws will change in Massachusetts and I will be able to provide terminations.

So, long story short, I wanted to be an APRN because that's just what I always wanted to do.

twinkerrs · Aug 1, 2014

When my twins were born they were preemies who did well and left the hospital pretty quick. Quick is not always better so we spent a lot of time seeing the PNP at their clinic. She was the one that recognized my PPD she was AWESOME!!! Switch gears to learning my son had autism and being treated by a spectacular PMHNP who worked hard at med management and therapy with us in a world where she could have just been a prescriber. I knew I had found what I wanted to do and I made it happen. I always knew even in nursing school for my adn that floor nursing was not where I would land. If I had listened to the naysayers oh don't do psych that isn't nursing or you have to have worked as an RN for 5 years to do well in school for an APRN. I would not be where I am today. Board certified as of yesterday all in the space of 7 years total (2009 ASN, 2010 BSN and 2014 MNSc)

Senai35 · Aug 21, 2014

Twinkerrs,

Thanks for your post! I have been a nurse for two years and want to go back to became an NP, but everyone I talk to keeps telling me to wait until I have at least five years experience. Now that you are an NP would you recommend more experience as a floor RN? Or do you think it does not make a difference?

futureeastcoastNP · Aug 21, 2014

Twinkerrs,
Thanks for your post! I have been a nurse for two years and want to go back to became an NP, but everyone I talk to keeps telling me to wait until I have at least five years experience. Now that you are an NP would you recommend more experience as a floor RN? Or do you think it does not make a difference?

Considering that some of the top NP programs in the country have accelerated BSN+MSN programs where the students don't work a single day as an RN, and yet continue to be as good as if not better than experienced nurses, I think it's a load of BS that you need any time as a bedside RN to do well in an NP program. They're completely different careers.