Do I Recommend Becoming a Nurse Practitioner| Two Years Later... do I have regrets?

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[jessicastevens]

The idea of working as a bedside nurse for the rest of my life was what pushed me to pursue my FNP. I know it won't be much more money and that's fine, but my mental health was suffering tremendously as a bedside nurse. I unexpectedly quit last June and while I regret it financially, my wellbeing has drastically improved.

[texaswoc]

I have been a registered nurse for almost 30 years. I have been a FNP for 10 years. I was/am highly specialized as a Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse with a Bachelors Degree working in industry when I got my APRN/FNP. After becoming a NP I waited for 2 years for the right job for my specialty because I knew I was going to take a pay cut. I took a 30% pay cut to work as a Nurse Practitioner which I still have yet to make up. I have a Masters Degree but I see no ROI on a doctorate as there is no increase in pay. As with anything in nursing pay is relevant and if you get in to nursing to make more money and not to help people you will never be satisfied and it’s will suffer because of it. I’m glad that money has never been my motivator. I have been blessed many times over by the people I have met and cared for. That’s worth more than money!

[cozettekoenig]

After 8 years at the bedside in ICU I have just applied to an FNP program and my interview is on Monday! I am so rejuvenated and excited. I didn’t realize how touched out I was. I’m so ready for this next phase in my career ❤

[shannonpickens]

I have been a nurse for 19 years- the other day I took a kidney transplant patient.. the resident not only talked down to me in a very disrespectful way but she was walking away as she was speaking to me … aside from that- the patient was had chronic anemia - lost 2 liters of blood in surgery - B/p was 80/? - obviously she was symptomatic- we all know that new kidney was not being profused like it should have been although was making great urine out out- hang was 6.6. We started 1 unit of blood -I asked this resident probably 3 different ways “do you want to check on this patient again before she leaves PACU?” - your criteria meets my criteria (not a professional or appropriate response) I asked if they were able to see her ultrasound and make sure she wasn’t bleeding -long story short nephrology came around and wanted her to go to ICU. - the doctor comes out do the room and says “we want her to go to ICU does that make sense?” - I looked at him a said -ABSOLUTELY! I’m tired of trying to be professional as I can be with people who act like the nurse doesn’t have a clue- when I was practically screaming the patient needs a higher level of care. This doesn’t happen all the time but when it does it’s quite infuriating- we are all here for the good and appropriate care of the patient- not a pissing contest. Am I ready to move on and complete NP school? Yes absolutely.

[yurilethskinner]

After a medical diagnosis I knew I could no longer continue at the bedside and revisited my dream of being a nurse practitioner. I am now in my last semester and am so happy I could you when I started. I am excited to start a new chapter in my career…. After I pass boards which I will with you help.

[elcee]

I've been a nurse practitioner for 13 years. I don't regret being a NP at all. but I'm ready for something else. I likely will keep my per diem position but I play the harp and need to practice it and I have lots of arts and crafts stuff that i'm interested in. when you're a nurse practitioner you have very little time to yourself. it's a lot of responsibility and a lot of charting.

[aprilheatherly]

I’m in my second semester in an NP program! Been a nurse for 16 years and I feel the same way; I can’t see myself doing anything other than being in healthcare. Really enjoy you educational videos and will be signing up soon!

[rosemarymackey]

It's a shame the system puts Nurses through so much for the paygrade. and as an NP, you take the doctors role but again, nowhere near the pay. Making bucks off our backs has to stop.

[thebookcorner]

Thank you for sharing your thought. I have been following you since 2019, when I started my FNP program. And I am now having my orientation for my very first NP job and I love what I’m doing! I encouter different diagnoses every day, and I enjoy every single moment trying to explore the causes of those illnesses as well as determine the course of treatment. I still watch your videos once in a while to refresh my mind. And just want to say you’re doing great and you’re super inspiring!

[chavezcnaable]

I seem to get asked a lot about money with regards to being an NP. I think most people should ask themselves if they're interested in medicine and advanced practice. It's about understanding pathology and medical intervention. It's about caring for people not being burned out as a bedside nurse or feeling that your undervalued. I've come across so many nurses that go to NP school or try for the wrong reasons.

[simplydee]

AS a nurse, i agree with everything....i never desired NP because if i could "i think" i would leave healthcare completely... i decided on floatpool which ALWAYS offer overtime days..starting pay at most hospitals are $55 and up. I have never not had overtime on a check and i have yet to work more than 5 days in a 2wk pay period. I love atonamy so i follow orders but i also think ahead about what the doctor should probaly do or will probally suggest.. i have the highest respect for anyone seeking higher education....but if you are looking for flexibility with more money is your answer❤

[Jessica_PMHNP]

I totally relate! I’ve been a nurse for 14 years and I just signed up for the MSN PMHNP program at Herzing University!! It feels so good to be following my passion and calling!! So blessed and grateful!

[camillesingh]

Thank you! There is so much negativity around NP school. Its not about the money rather better working conditions in comparison too bedside

[magicalfluffybunny]

I appreciate your frank talk. I'm still just in nursing school but I think I ultimately will become an NP

[LDSXena]

Amen on the stagnancy. I need the mental challenge to be happy. Right now, I feel my RN stands for refreshments and narcotics.

[AG-diuj]

Thank you for honesty ! I just got my first NP job after being a traveler nurse (12 years ) - yes I will be taking a pay cut but settling down is now my priority

[kristamichele]

I just passed the ANCC last month and I’m so excited to move into the next phase of my career. What you said really resonated with me. Since I began the FNP program I really focus on understanding the ‘why’. I am currently working bedside as I don’t begin my new position until April. My bedside nursing has improved immensely and I really focus on educating my patients to improve their understanding. Love your videos, they helped a ton when studying for boards.

[sarah]

I made at most $59k as an ICU nurse with 4 years experience in Chicago. I did NOT do OT or travel. So becoming an NP was a significant pay upgrade for me.

[BalancingLifeStyles]

There are many paths other than bedside. That’s possibly the easiest to get into but there are so many different paths to take in that field.

[alainlipowicz]

Love your content by the way! It comes straight from the heart and you can really tell you're passionate about what you do.

I'd just offer a different viewpoint on income potential as an FNP, having worked with many in various fields and having research it myself quite a bit. So right now if you check the usual salary estimate websites FNPs make ~120 - 130 K per year as an average. If you get your ENP Specialization they make 145 K per year roughly, but this may mostly reflects ER and Urgent Care work which is even more high risk and potentially stressful than a family office so the pay bump makes sense (and also you have another certification and more specialized training). Obviously there is a ton of regional variability in both NP and RN pay rates, with Michigan for example paying RNs in the 40s per hour average while Florida pays in the 30s per hour (having been in both states myself).

But I'd say the POTENTIAL income is far higher as an NP than an RN, of course not including the Travel RN option which as you mentioned can pay far more than even some physicians make but is an option only a few could do given the travel demands -- hence the high rate of pay.

Also, CRNAs make 200K average nowadays and you can quickly google and verify this. So if someone wanted to go the CRNA route, that's a great option. 

As far as PAs and NPs, many of the things I researched showed comparable salaries with PAs making a bit more on average but nothing major. PA schools are also manyfold more costly than many NP programs and you can't do them remote at all, so there's that.

The above just sheds light as to the income potentials as many are interested in this data. Of course don't go into any profession just for the money as you'll be miserable.