Question 1

How many years of experience do you have as an RN/NP?

Accepted Answer

I've been an RN since 2014 and a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner since 2020. I'll let you do the math :)

Question 2

Thoughts on new grad nurses starting in a specialty instead of med-surg?

Accepted Answer

1000% go into specialty if that's what you want to do! Find a new grad program and get training in that specialty.  Don't worry about being "too specialized" if that's what you love to do.

Question 3

Three things you would tell yourself as a new grad nurse?

Accepted Answer

1. Give yourself grace for being new.  Listen to and buy all of Brene Brown's podcasts and books and TedTalks.
2. Create a good prework regimen; pack your lunch, set out your scrubs, have extra supplies in your purse so you're not rushing out the door to your shift.
3. Get your finances in order. Set a reminder on your phone to sign up for retirement benefits 6 months into your new job, contribute enough to at least get employer match.  Buy and read the book 'I Will Teach You To Be Rich' By Ramit Sethi. Start paying off your student loans before buying nice things.

Question 4

How many years of experience did you have before applying to grad school?

Accepted Answer

I had 4 years of PICU experience when I applied and 6 by the time I graduted.  My PNP Primary Care Program required at least 2 years of experience in pediatrics.

Question 5

#1 piece of advice for those applying to NP school?

Accepted Answer

Apply to a school that provides clinical sites.

Question 6

Why PNP and not FNP? And why Primary Care PNP and not Acute Care?

Accepted Answer

Although I heard a million times "FNP will give you more job options after graduating", I didn't care to take the jobs working with adults.  I also did research in my area and since I have a few large children's hospital in my city, I knew they used PNPs. 
 
With my PICU background, most people think my natural course would be PICU NP, but I wanted out of the hospital setting and did not want to work anymore holidays and weekends. I wanted to keep kids out of the hospital, so primary care was perfect for me.

Question 7

Do NPs make more than RNs?

Accepted Answer

It depends. I live in Southern California and although I was making great money bedside, I currently make more in salary as a PNP, have better work-life balance and better benefits.

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