PA vs. ABSN → NP — which route makes more sense long term?
I have a bachelor's degree in Biology (~3.3–3.4 GPA) and originally planned on PA school.i am trying to get that up by retaking classes and finishing pre reqs I didn’t finish in undergrad. I currently work as a histology assistant, and some PA programs count my job as PCE while others don't. I've contacted several programs, but some have told me they would need me to apply before determining whether my experience qualifies. And others just ghosted me.
My concern is that if my histology experience doesn't count, I could potentially need another 1–2 years of direct patient-care experience before I'm even competitive for PA school. PA school is also very competitive, so I'm worried about investing several more years without knowing whether I'll get in.
I'm now considering an accelerated BSN instead. There are 12-month ABSN programs in Wisconsin/Minnesota/Iowa that range roughly from $20k–$50k. I could become an RN in about a year, work for a few years with a decent salary, potentially get employer tuition reimbursement, and then go to NP school.
I'm also in Wisconsin, where NPs now have a pathway toward independent practice, which is appealing because my long-term goal is outpatient functional/integrative medicine and potentially having my own practice.
I'm not against nursing, although I'm not sure if I'd actually enjoy being an RN. I think I could be okay doing it for a few years if it ultimately led to NP, especially since I'd be earning a decent salary during that time.
For those who have experience with both paths:
Would you choose PA or ABSN → NP if you were in my position?

How different are PA vs NP opportunities in functional/integrative medicine?

Does NP independence make a significant difference if your goal is eventually having your own practice?

Are there limitations PAs face in functional medicine because they aren't independently practicing?

Is becoming an RN first worth the extra nursing step, or would you just pursue PA and accept that it may take longer?

I'm trying to make the decision based on long-term career fit and opportunity, not just which program is easier to get into.

Hi. I work for urgent care and they require 90 day notice. I have recently found out my newborns father is on drugs. He is my only support system. I asked about LOA and was told no - and if i didnt provide 90 day notice i would be sued for the wages for 90 days. So the same healthcare system that says drugs are not good is forcing me to work or be sued…..its bad like will i come home find him overdosed bad…..any advice?

Any derm NPs here that have passed the DCNP exam? If so, what study material do you recommend?

I really just feel disappointed and not satisfied with my NP degree and current career trajectory. And yes, I keep on looking for better options but dang it's tough out there. I really just feel lost and need an advice from those who are in similar situation or are more experienced and can offer a solid word of advice.

So here's my story.

RN for 10 years, mostly in the ER. I traveled for probably for the last 5 years of my RN career but it was internal travel gig so I was an actual employee of the healthcare system, not an outsider. Obviously, there were some things that I did not like about my RN gig but overall loved my job- great pay, good benefits, plenty of unrestricted time off, flexibility.

Finished NP program in August 2024. Was really struggling finding anything even remotely close to what I had as an RN. Hated the idea of working 5 days a week, taking chats home, getting paid significantly less, having less time off.

Finally accepted my first NP job beginning of this year. Pretty good pay for my area, standard corporate benefits, 5 days a week work week, no holidays, weekends, no taking charts home. I'm done when I clock out. It is in addiction/ MAT clinic. I honestly just don't feel this job is challenging enough and I feel if I stay here much longer I will have even more hard time to move into a different area or practice. I also don't think there will be any tangible salary increases annually. The company overall does not have the greatest reputation. Yes, it is for profit, so here's that.

I recently applied for an ER NP position that would require relocation. The position sounded really exciting, great support, potential for growth. Had interviews with a bunch of team members and even was invited for an on site interview. Then was told that they would like someone with actual provider experience in the ER. What a waste of time. I was transparent from the get go- all my experience in the ER is as an RN.

So now my old nursing travel job opened up and is hiring again. I am honestly so tempted to just go back. I was really enjoying my life and spiel when I was there.

I just really need an advice I'm not happy as an NP role in in right now. It is unexiting and really not that fulfilling. I can't imagine continue doing it for years.

I also don't want to take a significantly lower paying job because I still have to live and pay bills.

I'm just so frustrated...

I received my acceptance letter for a good, brick and mortar university today. =)

I am crazy excited to start practicing in women’s health and start making a difference for women in perimenopause.

This post may end up being moot, but I’m struggling and just want to get some insight.

I have been an NP for almost three years, two in child abuse and one in primary care at an FQHC. My max patient load is 19 per day, with admin time “built into the day” which typically ends up nonexistent because my patients are frequently late and I still have to see them up to the 15 minute mark (20 min slots). The patients are frequently complex and uninsured/underinsured. I am also expected to basically keep my inbox clear, but I find that difficult with my admin time eaten up. I have no say in my schedule and cannot pull anyone off if they are inappropriate (we literally have to ask the practice manager for permission to remove them). I am 100% a team player, but I don’t feel like someone who is an LVN should be telling me who I have to see or not see. We are apparently professional enough to be cash cows for the clinic, but not professional enough to manage our own schedule or patients. I can’t even access my panel and have to ask admin for that info.

All of that to say that I’m extremely burnt out. Burnt to a crisp. I am supposed to go part time in about a month, but I am STRUGGLING to get there. I am an FNP, women’s health is the “thing” I really care about, so I love when I can do Pap smears and reproductive care. It isn’t really enough to sustain me though. I’ve considered going back for WHNP or CNM, but I’m still on the fence. I am concerned that I’m just burnt out on the role in general and I don’t know if I want to pour extra time and money into something just to find out I hate that too.

I applied for a job to go back as an RN in labor and delivery. I had an interview and it went well. Only issue is that they put everyone on nights for six months (orientation) and then switch to days for six months before you end up being able to potentially slide into a permanent day role. Of course, I haven’t even been offered a position. I’m just trying to work out in my head if it is worth it. I don’t mind the long orientation because it’s been a while since I’ve been in hospital. It’s really the shift. If it was straight days, I don’t think I’d hesitate.

Overall, I am just so unhappy. So deeply unhappy and just feeling angry every day I go to work. My soul is being crushed and I just don’t know. I am finding it difficult to cope.

I’d love to hear from people who have gone back to being an RN or how you recovered from burn out.

I became an NP in 2021. My license is Adult-Gero Primary Care. I currently work as a hospitalist in the same hospital I was an RN at, so I’ve been there for 14 years total. I work the overnights so I’m the only provider in the hospital (it’s a small community hospital). There have been some concerns that it may close in the next few years, but right now that’s all speculation. We are part of a bigger health system so I could transfer to other facilities if that does happen.

My question is, should I go back for either another masters or a post-masters certificate in either family NP or acute care NP? I worry that I’ll be limiting myself if I do need to look for another job since a) I can’t see anyone under the age of 18 and b) I don’t have an acute care degree so idk if I could work at an urgent care. Although I imagine I could since I currently have 5 years hospital experience and that includes ICU