I’ve been a nurse for almost five years, second career from social work. I’m 35 years old three kids under five, this is all relevant. Recently I took a promotion to be a charge nurse. The hospital I work at charge comes with supervisor responsibilities and minimal bedside time, basically only if it’s a super sick patient. I knew I’d miss bedside but I miss it more than I expected. I have the opportunity to pick up bedside shifts but I don’t have time right now (the three kids). I’ve been wondering about my next step. My wife wants me to get my NP. I’m not sure. Between debt and time it’s a lot. My coworkers who are in NP school appear miserable and don’t have a clear reason they are doing it besides, it’s the next step in my degree. I did that for my masters in social work and don’t want to do that again. I feel like if I took the extra time I’d be studying and put it into a per diem job I’d make just as much money as an np now and not take the debt out.
Thoughts on NP vs per diem?
Has anyone had these feelings when they become charge? I’ve been doing it for 3 months maybe my feelings will change.