Finding Freedom as a Nurse Practitioner: A Personal Journey
As nurse practitioners, we all seek greater freedom and control. We want to provide higher-level patient care, but we also want to shape our lives both professionally and personally. This flexibility is supposed to be one of the perks of becoming an NP – a welcome change from the rigid RN shift work of weekends, holidays, and night shifts.
The Reality Check
But here’s the truth: not all NPs find this freedom right away. Some feel burned out quickly, lacking control over their schedules and careers. I’ve been there myself. Picture this: back-to-back patients all day, every day, with just one measly 30-minute unpaid lunch break. And what did I spend that “break” doing? Catching up on paperwork, returning patient calls, and sorting out medication orders with pharmacies.
Sometimes, I found myself nostalgic for my floor nurse days. At least then I could:
- Take actual breaks
- Write notes while patients rested
- Prepare medications during group times
- Simply breathe between tasks
The Paradox
Isn’t it ironic? We become NPs expecting more freedom, yet sometimes end up feeling more restricted. This shouldn’t be the case. The solution? We need to actively create the breathing room we want, rather than just hoping it will appear.
Creating Change
With each new position, I learned to create more space for myself. I started paying attention to what mattered most:
- Daily workflow structure
- Documentation time
- Patient population
- Level of autonomy
As a new graduate, I thought I’d know exactly what I wanted. But it took time and experience to figure it out.
Know Your Values
Everyone’s priorities differ. For me, protected documentation time and control over patient scheduling are non-negotiable. You might prefer:
- Working specific days per week
- Regular meetings with collaborating providers
- Flexible hours
Building Your Path
Your RN experience can offer valuable insights into your preferences. Use these insights during your job search – they’ll help you find positions that align with your values and lead to greater job satisfaction.
Remember: Creating the freedom you want as an NP takes intentional effort, but it’s absolutely worth it for your long-term happiness and career satisfaction.
