Any Nurse Practitioners here?

W

wendyjpa

Cathlete
Just wondering if there are any nurse practitioners who participate in this forum. I'm thinking of going back to school after 14 yrs of being an RN to further my education (thanks to the "what are your degrees" thread on VF for making me realize it's never too late)

Anyway, just wanting to touch base with any nurse practitioners.

TIA!

Wendy
 
Hi Wendy! I am a Women's Health Care NP. I haven't worked much since my son was born July 2004, but my WHNP career has been spent in a family planning clinic. I LOVED it! I am thinking of goign a new direction though.

What kind of info are you looking for?

Autumn
 
Hi Wendy,
I am a Family Nurse Practitioner and I love it. I was a RN for about 10 yrs before I decided to go back and do this. I think your experience as a RN will only help you. I've been working as a NP for six years and I think it's the best thing I ever did.

catherine
 
Thanks Catherine! i'm a little nervous about job opportunity, schooling, salary etc... would you say it was worth it?
I'm 38 and it will take me a few years and lots of $$ to get there.

tia,
Wendy
 
Wendy,
I sooo think it was worth it. I worked part-time and worked on my Masters degree which was a FNP (family NP) program. It was tough but doable (sp) Salary wise that partly depends on where you live and what area you go into. I think the average starting salary for a FNP is $60,000.00(that may be old). I've worked in Family Practice for 6 years and love it. However, I am getting ready to specialize into Dermatology. I start my new job on Monday and I am very excited!!!! The change is for a couple of reasons. 1. The Family Practice I work in is 45 min away- The Derm practice 10 min-- Can you see the draw. 2. I know this Dermatologist and just love her!! 3. I think it will add to my value as a NP in the future. I plan eventually to do some family practice on the side after I feel more comfy doing derm.

Also as far as educational expenses there are lots of grants and money out there to be had- you just have to know where to look. My employerer paid some and the State Board of Nursing had scholarships available which I qualified for. Also if your state has a NP organization they may have scholarships. Check the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners website too they may have some helpful info.

It's a big decision. Good luck

Catherine
 
Catherine,
I currently work in radiation oncology dept that is an outpt clinic area. Unfortunately, they don't provide tuition reimbursement unless your fulltime, and i'm not. So any info on grants, etc... will be so useful. I know it will be a huge financial undertaking for me, that is why i want to be sure in the end it will be beneficial to me.

thanks so much for your response and any info you can share.

tia,
Wendy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top