How to Know if You're Ready to be an NP

So, in a semester and a half I will be finished NP school. I am looking forward to it. I am looking forward to graduating. I am looking forward to move one step closer to be an NP. I am also anxious about being the one in charge of people’s care. I have always asked myself when will I know when I am ready to be a nurse practitioner.

For me, it is definitely worth becoming a nurse practitioner. I have enjoyed being a nurse and like many nurses, the step to become an advanced practice nurse is a natural one. So when do you know when you’re ready to be health care provider?

Hopefully you have chosen an accredited nurse practitioner program. Your education is an investment. You want to get what you paid for. Also, you are not only investing your money but your time. Accredited programs have made the effort to be held to a high standard. These programs have met certain criteria and qualifications to aid in your preparation as an advanced practicing registered nurse. Graduating from an accredited school can also give you an advantage of being competitive when looking for a job.

Get the most out of your clinicals. Be prepared to come into clinicals and ask you preceptor questions, review labs, and discuss treatment options. This will help you boost your confidence. Observing and being a part of the assessing and treatment planning will help you understand what a health provider clinic life is like. Also, take advantage of honing your skills such as suturing, EKG interpreting, assessment skills, and lab interpreting.

Become a member with nurse practitioner societies on the national and local level. Networking with other nurse practitioners is a great way to find a mentor and establish relationships with fellow nurse practitioners. This can create the opportunities to learn about nurse practitioner issues, updated clinical management guidelines, and health care policies. Take advantage of this!

You may not feel like you are ready to go out in the world to be a top-notch nurse practitioner. Practicing medicine takes time but, make sure you follow the guidelines, catch up on the recent research, and attend conferences. Always keep learning. Always be open to phone a friend (a fellow nurse practitioner). Remember that your primarily goal is to provide excellent care to your patients. Do what you can to build your confidence.