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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Nurses like becoming NPs because it pays better and they have more freedom (can prescribe meds).

I have had good and bad experiences with NPs. In theory they improve the system by handling cases that might be too simple or straightforward for a doctor. And they do generally get to spend more time with patients, making them a good option for a PCP (PCN?) where not being rushed can be helpful.

However I have had very negative experiences with NP specialists. I do not feel the training fir their specialty is sufficient and they can have unearned confidence, especially in diagnosis. I've had a gyn NP miss major symptoms, for instance.

There is a reason medical training for fir doctors is as long as it is. It's inconvenient, for them and fir patients, because it leads to doctor shortages. But I'm not convinced replacing a bunch of MD roles with NPs is going to solve things, especially with the current fairly low requirements for training and school to get specialized NP licenses.[/quote]

I'm telling you, it does not pay that much better in 2026 than a hospital-based RN who works 8 hours of overtime a month (ie, works 38 hours a week instead of full-time / 36 hours a week).  Maybe the differential was bigger pre 2010. Not now[/quote]

I think a lot of this has little to do with money but more autonomy/lifestyle.  Our daughter is a nurse in a hospital, and with crisis pay for extra shifts, makes a phenomenal amount of money on top of already strong salary.  But she is young so shift work isn't too rough now.  But when she has a family, the NP route is an appealing option.  [/quote]

Frankly this makes no sense. Being an RN is far more flexible as you can work evenings, nights, weekends, one day per week, two days per week, weekends only etc.  You can have coworkers cover for you at the last minute. Tons of mothers do it for this reason.

In contrast, there are few jobs as inflexible as seeing patients in an office as an NP or MD. Your schedule comes out and patients are booked 3-6 months in advance.  there is no taking last minute time off if your child has a kindergarten program or a high school sports game. There is no leaving early or doing any off shift hours.

I'm an RN turned NP married to an MD and I've raised (am raising) 3 kids. [/quote]

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