So, to clarify, what I've found that I really don't like about working as an NP is the pressure to see as many patients as possible, as quickly as possible. You, unfortunately, made the mistake that so many people do, of getting the FNP to appear more marketable, at the expense of pursuing what you were actually interested in. ... And then the wellness coach I work with, who is a former PA, asked me if I ever thought about being a Nurse Practitioner. Has 9 years experience. I needed a change and switched to cards - still not sure this is the area I want for the rest of my life but it will do for now. After working as a nurse for four years, I went to NP school. I'm wondering if there are other NP's, especially newer NP's, who feel the same way? Once you have a registered nurse license in one state, you can apply for reciprocity in another state. I have a degree in History from my "other life" (pre-nursing), so the two of you are not alone! I have finally come to terms that it is necessary to go back to school to obtain more professional working conditions. I personally am soooo happy with my specialty in NP. It just seemed burnout could cause the flame to flicker. We are seeing more of this and I suspect it will only increase as the schools continue to sell the line of goods that staying for a few additional years and fattening their wallets is a fantastic idea. Hi, there are many posts of RNs career regret. The only people I see really struggle in the profession are those that get into it for job security and lack people and communication skills. As a nursing student, he found the courses to be generally easier, but he admits not being too focused, not setting himself up for success. I took a couple months off and just started a new job, but I don't feel confident that I'll be happy. I come from a highly educated high earning family, and many of the people in my social circle (high school and college friends) are the same. Let me know down in the comments! I am not tied to one type of practice or specialty. The "we" part was what threw me off since it seems like you are trying to generalize and speak for the profession as a whole, which I then took exception to since I believe we are greatly respected. They've gone on to be business leaders, scientists, lawyers, professors, etc. Being a nurse practitioner is hard enough. I think any profession where you're expected to rush yourself eating lunch, or take minimal bathroom breaks, etc is not a "respectful" environment. Good luck! The NP program cost a lot, and now I'm paying it off! I now wish that I'd just stayed an RN and proceeded with the PhD. Saying I am a bedside nurse definitely does not impress them in any way, and most wonder why I didn't set my sights higher. I hope you can find a way to redeem your education and experience. I was looking forward to helping a fellow nurse practitioner and having a change of scenery. I was working as pediatric nurse and loved it and worked with a PA and a PNP who both encouraged me to go for my NP. You could do that in 2003. It is possible to like more than one area. Seriously wish I didn't spend money to go back to school (especially to spend 4yrs on a dual cert) considering just working in a damn fast track or urgent care ... did I mention Job #2 is a 2 hr commute one way so I have to pay rent to stay there for my shifts? When you said that you disagreed that "WE" (meaning all NP's) are afforded more respect, it sounds like you are implying that NP's everywhere aren't afforded more respect based on your own personal experience. I don't regret becoming an NP but I sometimes regret my choice of specialty. Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner. Thank you for sharing this here. There is essentially no real work required, and no standards save a board exam that an RN with two years experience and a prep book could pass easily.. I finally reached the point that I couldn't stand it any more. What school doesn't teach about being a nurse practitioner This blog is for new NPs or NP students who want some real 411 on the life of a new practitioner. For awhile, I've known that I'd like to teach and do research. Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy. I also regret that I didn't pursue a couple of other careers that were pretty much off limits due to some other life circumstances and/or color blindness, but I don't regret studying psychopathology or psychopharmacology. Life's too short. Many nurses find they are unhappy because nursing has become a very blue collar type position (based on the way bedside nurses are treated). The way it worked out, my first job offer as an ANP was in Psych. I don't regret becoming a NP but I do not agree with the statement that we are afforded more respect. I simply thought your anecdote was an unfair generalization of the profession as a whole. Our mission is to Empower, Unite, and Advance every nurse, student, and educator. Specializes in labor & delivery. People with even a basic grasp of our scope of practice greatly value our expertise and knowledge. I think we need more of these posts to help people really sort out what this role entails and if it will be worth it for them. You also might be interested to know that nursing (as in RN's) is what generates the some of the best revenue for a hospital system. Since 1997, allnurses is trusted by nurses around the globe. Luckily, he thought it was a great idea. I apologize if I misunderstood your post. Writing the statement – do’s and don’ts . I'm an adult and peds CNS and currently work in-patient heart failure. Additionally, nursing has always been a blue collar type of job. Psych NPs don't all make money, it really depends on your market. My father is a nurse, so I have always grown up looking up to him and his ability to provide for our family with RN behind his name. I drew myself as a doctor. I became a psych RN to make sure I did indeed enjoy it, got my NP, had numerous job offers as I finished up school, and basically had a new position created for me at the hospital I worked for, when I graduated. I also recognize that physicians have far superior training than I do as a Nurse Practitioner. I've been an APRN for almost 12 years, the first 11 1/2 in nephrology. I can't say I "regret" getting my NP, but I definitely would not have pursued the degree if I had been able to foresee the future. Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU. I would look at the states rules before becoming a NP. “I regret not being able to recognize you at the Capitol this year, but hope this smaller presentation among your peers is even more meaningful,” said Wood. Because at the end of the day only the job itself will make it worthwhile. Best of luck in your future endeavors!! By the end of my first year I was seriously questioning my decision to become a nurse. allnurses.com, INC, 7900 International Drive #300, Bloomington MN 55425