A nurse may find that they are no longer satisfied with their work and that it’s time to take their career to the next level. Becoming a nurse practitioner is a dream of many. However, before pursuing this advanced degree, one must know the joys and challenges of this role.
The Joys of Being a Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners remain in high demand. Healthcare organizations frequently experience staffing shortages, and anyone working as a nurse practitioner can choose a job that fits their needs. As more nurse practitioners are needed, the job outlook will continue to be rosy in the coming years.
Nurse practitioners can make an excellent salary and may choose an area to specialize in. Regardless of what they select, no two days will be the same. They will always meet new patients and encounter new challenges, so they have room to grow and learn things.
Many nurses today take traveling positions to see more of the country or the world. Other NPs specialize in telehealth to help patients even when they aren’t in the same geographical region. Nurse practitioners may remain in the field for years and choose different work environments based on their stage of life. An NP may work in telehealth when their children are young, move to a position in a healthcare facility as they age, and take on traveling positions during the empty nest stage of life. This flexibility is something many in the industry appreciate.
The Challenges of Being a Nurse Practitioner
Becoming a nurse practitioner doesn’t happen overnight. Students spend years pursuing this advanced degree, and many must continue working to fund their education. Maintaining a full-time job while attending school is difficult, and some people struggle to work part-time while attending school and fulfilling their other obligations.
Finishing school doesn’t mean a person can work as a nurse practitioner. They must also pass a rigorous national certification exam. Many struggle to study for this exam while handling other responsibilities and trying to repay student loans. People must consider whether they can juggle everything as they work to pursue this degree and pass the required exam.
Once a person meets the requirements to begin practicing as a nurse practitioner, their schedule may vary. Some days could be longer than others, and nurse practitioners may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly when starting. The selected work environment influences the hours needed, as someone working in a doctor’s office may have traditional banker hours with occasional nights, weekends, or holidays. A nurse practitioner working in a hospital might work all nights or weekends.
Stress is an issue for many nurse practitioners. The workplace or the responsibility of caring for patients with limited supervision may be a source of stress. Losing a patient is hard on any medical professional. Nurse practitioners might feel they didn’t do enough, and this belief could weigh on them. They may hold this belief even when they did everything possible to save the person.
Every job comes with benefits and drawbacks. People should have this information when deciding if a career path suits them. Working as a nurse practitioner is rewarding, but it can be stressful, and it’s not easy to achieve this level in a person’s career. It takes time, effort, and dedication. Nevertheless, those pursuing this path enjoy what they do, which shows in their work. That’s what everyone should strive for.
