NP week… time to revisit the past
I’ve been an NP since 2016. My first job was with a neurosurgeon, and I loved it. I thought I’d found my passion. But after four years, he decided to move, and just like that, everything changed.
I suddenly found myself without a job in the middle of the pandemic. Eventually, I landed a position at an urgent care clinic… and it was literal chaos. Over 100 patients a day, no breaks, and constant burnout. I knew I couldn’t last there, so I started looking toward the ER. I’d worked there as an RN and thought I might enjoy it again as an NP.
ER life was tough but rewarding. The only downside was the schedule, it just didn’t balance well with my husband’s 8–5 routine. So, I transitioned to an allergy and immunology clinic. That job was okay, but again, it was packed with patients and no real time to connect with them. So, back to the ER I went.
A few months later, a physician reached out about joining their concierge family practice. It’s not a perfect job, but I’ve realized that work–life balance is what matters most. I love that I’m not rushed and that I can truly spend time with my patients.
Healthcare is a tough field, and there were many moments when I thought about finding a way out. But I’ve learned that prioritizing my mental health and overall wellbeing is just as important as caring for others.
Cheers to all my hardworking NP friends, I hope you’re celebrated this week! 💙👩⚕️ #NPWeek #nursepractitioner #healthcare #worklifebalance
Reflecting on my own experience, the journey through various NP roles has highlighted how critical adaptability and self-care are in this demanding field. Starting in neurosurgery gave me a solid foundation, but when the surgeon moved, I faced uncertainty like many during the COVID pandemic. Urgent care was overwhelming, handling over 100 patients a day without breaks, leading quickly to burnout. Switching to the ER brought back familiar challenges but also a sense of reward, even though irregular schedules made personal life balancing difficult. Allergy and immunology offered patient interaction but felt rushed and impersonal due to patient volume. Ultimately, joining a concierge family practice has brought the balance I craved, allowing deeper connections with patients and more mindful work. This career path underscores the importance of mental health and work-life balance for nurse practitioners. Prioritizing well-being is essential, not just for ourselves but to provide the best care possible. This NP Week, it's important to celebrate every NP's dedication across specialties, especially those navigating career shifts during a pandemic. For those exploring NP roles, consider specialties aligned with your lifestyle goals and values. Patient-centered care quality and the ability to connect meaningfully often contribute more to job satisfaction than specialty prestige alone. The healthcare landscape is vast and dynamic, and NPs have unique opportunities to shape fulfilling careers while advocating for their own health and happiness alongside their patients'.
