Why I chose NP instead of MD

[exchangeofideas, NP]

Reason's that I feel NP better than MD are the following:
-You can always work as an RN (it's nice to be able to skill stack.). (I like to do PRN jobs.)
-More opportunities for teaching (With the online programs, a NP can get an adjunct faculty position easily.) (I like that you can teach or precept until you grow old.)
-You can work part-time and that's okay. (You do not have to be stuck at a place all the time since you never know what the office climate might be like.)
-More job openings (Seems like NP's are in demand and this gives us more flexibility.) (Maybe you need or want to move.)
-Flexibility (We can change specialties or teach one another without formalities. ) (I am thinking of working in nursing homes in my old age for instance.)
-I do not want to be the boss. I do not like managing people. (I like the idea that I can leave work politics at the office, but can review educational material on my free time instead.)
- With all these possibilities, we can have work our entire lives. (I do not want to ever retire and sit around and do nothing.)
-If you really want to make more money, you can find ways to make a lot. (Some NP's are go-getters and make more than physicians.) But, if you are looking for a more well-rounded life, that is available too (such as my priority). 
-I am just going with the odds. Nothing is absolute for either profession and everyone has things that are frustrating about their jobs. However, I found the NP route to have more good for me than the MD route. 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Other than working as a RN, I would imagine that many of the things you find to be benefits of the NP degree are things that physicians can have as well. I know some that work part time, are not the boss in their practice, work late into their years, etc. I think that most people choose their career based on what works for them given their situation at the time.

I know that once upon a time I was going to go to med school. I changed my mind and went into research, then ended up with a nursing degree in my second career. There have definitely been days where I almost wish I had just gone through with the MD, but I didn't. And I don't really regret it because my family life certainly wouldn't have been the same had I gone that route initially. I don't have the ability to do it now, so NP will work for me with my career goals. 

I'm glad you're happy with your decision, good to hear from people what they enjoy about their field.

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

I love this list and totally agree!