In today's health care landscape, many registered nurses are going back to school to become nurse practitioners. These individuals are often drawn to the profession for its level of independence, opportunity to operate their own private practices and competitive pay.
We sat down and talked with Jason Bird, RN, a travel nurse employed by Aureus Medical who recently went back to school to become an NP. Check out his insights and advice on transitioning from RN to NP below:
Aureus Medical: What made you decide you wanted to be a nurse?
Jason: As children, my parents taught my sisters and I that in order to be successful, you have to put time and effort into whatever you do. My parents have always worked – my dad was a painter and my mom was a radiology technician. When I was in high school, trying to figure out what I wanted to do, I looked to my parents for advice. I knew one day I would have a family and I wanted them to have more than I ever had. I also knew that there were always going to be jobs in health care from seeing that my Mom was always needed. I initially chose to study Respiratory Therapy, but once I completed my degree I saw that there were no other options for this role other than working in a hospital or home health. I've seen the many opportunities available to nurses so I just bit the bullet and went to nursing school. I also chose nursing because of the aspect of caring for others, helping people heal and providing emotional support to someone who is dying.
Aureus Medical: What enticed you about travel nursing and what do you love most about the profession?
Jason: I always wanted to do travel nursing once I had enough knowledge and experience under my belt. Some of the things I have enjoyed about travel nursing is that assignments are not permanent. I have really never had a bad experience as a travel nurse, but if I did encounter a situation, I knew I could tough it out and then look elsewhere. Another benefit of travel nursing is seeing the difference between hospitals and how each unit operates. I've been able to take these ideas and suggest them to others in my work.
Aureus Medical: What spurred your decision to go back to school to become an NP?
Jason: I knew I always wanted to go back to school for something, but was unsure of what, and didn't want to put myself in debt with student loans. After being a nurse for numerous years, I felt comfortable enough that I could be an Advance Practice Nurse and so I chose to be an FNP. I joined the Army Reserve as a critical care nurse in 2011 not only to serve my country, but also because of tuition reimbursement and other incentives which allowed me to pursue my NP.
Aureus Medical: What academic program did you enroll in and how long does it take to complete?
Jason: I worked with nurses who went through a program called RODP. It's based in Tennessee and allows you to take all of your classes online. Some require clinical time in which you are responsible for arranging a preceptor. Once the semester starts, 120-240 hours are required for each course.
Aureus Medical: How are you able to balance working on assignment and going to school?
Jason: It's not too bad – this course is set up so that it can be completed in two years. All of the travel assignments I have encountered have worked with me to help me balance clinical time and work.
Aureus Medical: What should a travel nurse consider when going back to school?
Jason: Don't overdo it. If you have never done travel nursing before, get your feet wet first. If you enjoy it, then consider going back to school. Set aside time to work on course work. Plan ahead. Consider what your next assignment may be if already enrolled in a program. And make sure you ask your unit manager to consider a schedule that will be optimal for both you and your place of assignment. One of the great benefits with Aureus is the generous tuition reimbursement – I was not even aware of this until my recruiter Richard told me about it.
Aureus Medical: What are some tips for those considering continuing their education in nursing and who want to continue working while they do it?
Jason: If you decide that you would like to become an Advanced Practice nurse, make sure there are jobs available in your area. For example, I live in an area where there is absolutely no CRNA positions. Also, consider that if you are used to a 3-day, 12-hours-each-day work week, which allows for a lot a free time, most advance practice positions are a M-F work week. Don't stretch yourself too thin. If you are working as a travel nurse while balancing a family and then want to also throw in going back to school, keep in mind that most schools are online now, as well as the fact that it may have been years since you completed your nursing degree and going back may be a difficult transition. But stay focused, keep your priorities straight and don't get overwhelmed. If so, most recruiters are great therapists that you can vent to!
Aureus Medical: What do you envision for your next steps once you finish your NP degree?
Jason: My wife, who's a nurse, and kids love to travel, so our schedule allows us to do the things we like. I would like to work in an ICU setting as an NP. If that isn't available then I would consider an ER setting or urgent care. I'm also looking at completing a course that will allow me to assist in surgery.
Aureus Medical: What were some of the biggest challenges while working and going to school?
Jason: Staying focused. It's easy to get off work and go home and relax, but there may be a discussion board to post to or a paper due at the end of the week. Planning ahead and keeping a calendar of when assignments are due helps. Most important though is to make sure you keep priorities straight – family first.
Aureus Medical: What are you most excited about when you think about becoming an NP?
Jason: The challenge. Being able to take what I have learned and experienced in the last 20 years and apply it as an NP. Something that really excites me is the possibility of humanitarian work. I'd love to volunteer on a mission trip, and truly make a difference for those who will never have the chance or can't afford to see a health care provider.