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Having been a nurse for the past 30-plus years and about to complete my DNP, I wanted to reflect on my career path. I’ve come to the conclusion that returning to school for my MSN and NP was my most satisfying career move. Once I completed my NP, several new career opportunities became available.
I’ve been an Emergency Department NP for the past nine years. Having the autonomy to perform procedures and diagnose and treat thousands of ED patients, in collaboration with an incredibly supportive ED physician group, has been one of the highlights of my nursing career.
Since my graduation ten years ago, I’ve had the privilege of teaching in the College of Nursing at New York University. Imparting my clinical knowledge while mentoring thousands of students has allowed me tremendous pleasure in teaching the future providers of our profession. There is nothing more satisfying than hearing back from our graduates and being told that one’s teaching has positively impacted their own patient care.
I’ve also had the unique experience of being a provider in a new primary care model at the NYU College of Dentistry. I’m a primary care NP in the NYU Faculty Practice, which is staffed by NP faculty from the College of Nursing. We provide primary care to our dental patients and community. We also conduct health screenings, give lectures to the dental community and work collaboratively with the College of Dentistry to increase awareness on the oral-systemic connection.
The last ten years since graduating with my MSN and NP have allowed me to expand my role as a healthcare provider. I’m able to touch the lives of my patients as a skilled advanced practice nurse. I’ve also been able to serve as a role model, a mentor and an advisor to my students. I would highly recommend this career path to any of my colleagues.
In summation, here are five basic perks of being an NP:
“A” – Autonomy: You’ll be able to independently assess, diagnose and treat your patient population.
“E” – Education: Advanced education enhances one’s ability to care for our patient population.
“I” – Impact on profession: The ability to teach, mentor and expand one’s practice impacts the future of nursing.
“O” – Opportunity: An advanced degree opens the door to more earning power and career paths.
“U” – Unique: Advancing one’s role provides the opportunity for a unique role in nursing that will increase job satisfaction.
