u/DeflectingPalm

I’m about to start clinicals, which means I’m roughly 10 months away fron graduating FNP school. Initially I was excited, but talking to more and more NPs makes it seem that it’s more of a pay cut for me and it gives me anxiety in graduating, considering I’m racking up about $50-60k in debt.

For perspective, I’ve always adored the idea of becoming an FNP ever since going through my undergrad, particularly in an outpatient specialty or EM. I’m currently a float pool noc nurse for ICU/ER making $64/h with differentials and I pick up shifts often, with my highest ceiling being around $156k (a good chunk of weeks I worked 4-5 nights in a row). I live in a HCOL area and own my house, travel often, etc. It’s safe to say I’m in an extremely comfortable spot right now, and that’s what demotivates me further for becoming an NP. Even if I make similar to my base (approx $122k), it’s still a pay cut considering how I’ll pay for loans and likely an added insurance out of pocket. The main reason I went back to school is due to the right opportunity in time (no kids), knowing that I won’t be able to nocs bedside forever due to jeopardizing my physical health, a higher pay ceiling, and autonomy (though the increase in responsibility still scares me).

I understand that I’m in a lucky position currently, although it is slightly volatile. My seniority is high enough to input my exact days/PTO. I love my job currently to the point where I’m slightly inclined to just quit NP school at this point. It would be, however, sunken cost, and I’m afraid of how my physical health would be later on or any “what-ifs” if I do quit. I understand some people thinking, “So why would you even start NP school?” or, “Why are you thinking of it now?” and my answer to those is that it’s an investment for my future and something I forsee myself doing, but looking at the pay just gives me cold feet, realizing that this is the reality of the career.

Has there been anyone who has been in this position? Maybe travel RNs that became NPs?