I'm a new BSN grad and I have been wanting to become a family nurse practitioner ever since I was in pre-nursing. I spent a day observing a FNP at a pediatricians office during my peds rotation and thought her job was super-cool - and was wowed by all the stuff she was allowed to do that regular nurses couldn't - such as diagnosing and prescribing.
My question is do you think it's worth it? Is it worth the extra 2-3 years it would take to become a family nurse practitioner? What are the pros/cons?
I have an option to start a program this fall, but I have to get a year of experience before I can start the classes that include clinicals.
I am an FNP and I love being an FNP. Certainly I am busy, see lots of patients, but am constantly reminded by my patients why I chose to become an NP. They are constantly saying I take more time, explain more to them, and they are happy to see an NP as opposed to some physicians they have seen in the past. My expectation is to see a few less than the physician I work with, but it is still challenging every day! This will change shortly as I am buying a practice in the near future and I will decide how many I see as opposed to having a quota to meet.
I think it is important to think about how you may fit into the role. There is more responsibility, not necessarily much more money. I chose the role because I wanted the independence and like this kind of work. I have found that many folks that are unhappy with the role are really unhappy with the responsibility. Good luck and follow your heart!
Some FNP's do shift work if thats what they have contracted for or if they work in an acute care setting. For me - less shift work is one of the major attractions. I DESPISE 12 hour shifts and working weekends and holidays. I'm looking forward to that part!
CoryRN
11 Posts
I am an FNP and I love being an FNP. Certainly I am busy, see lots of patients, but am constantly reminded by my patients why I chose to become an NP. They are constantly saying I take more time, explain more to them, and they are happy to see an NP as opposed to some physicians they have seen in the past. My expectation is to see a few less than the physician I work with, but it is still challenging every day! This will change shortly as I am buying a practice in the near future and I will decide how many I see as opposed to having a quota to meet.
I think it is important to think about how you may fit into the role. There is more responsibility, not necessarily much more money. I chose the role because I wanted the independence and like this kind of work. I have found that many folks that are unhappy with the role are really unhappy with the responsibility. Good luck and follow your heart!
Cory