The Aspiring NP

What actually comes up in sessions

Discover if NP clinical practice fits you — or if another educational track better suits your goals.

You might be an RN, or considering the field of nursing altogether.

I get it — it’s a big discussion. Exciting and scary all at the same time.

Ask what you actually need to know — so you can confidently say yes to nursing.

Close-up of sprouting green seedlings growing in soil within a seed tray.

How do I know I am ready?

  • You desire for change — but is the NP role actually right for you?

  • You’re burned out at the bedside — how can your day-to-day really change?

  • Recognizing signals that you’re ready for change

  • You’re asking yourself if you’re smart enough or too far removed from school? Challenging imposter syndrome starts here.

  • You don’t have a mentor or network — and you don’t know where to start.

A small green seedling with two leaves emerging from dark, moist soil, symbolizing early plant growth.

Which NP track is right for me?

  • Primary vs acute care vs specialty— why choosing matters

  • Direct entry programs — for non-nurses and career changers. Challenging? Yes. But people do it — and you can too!

  • Full time vs part time student — how to fit it all in

  • What if NP isn’t the path? Let’s explore other advanced roles that might be a better fit

Several small potted seedlings growing in black pots filled with dark soil.

What's the real cost analysis?

  • Is the debt worth the risk?

  • Real discussion on salary — ranges low to high

  • How NPs are actually paid — hourly, salary, RVUs, bonus structure — and what fits you

  • Lifestyle changes from RN to NP — how does this fit with your goals?

A clear glass cup filled with coins, with a small green plant growing from the coins, set against a blurred metallic background.

Evaluating programs — what to ask before the deposit

  • Does the program really matter? Yes and no, unpack what matters: clinical placement, quality of education, local vs distance learning

  • Clinical Placement — one of the most important things to consider before committing to a program.

    • What to ask your program and how to make the most of your clinical placement

    • What happens if you can’t find clinical placement? What if your preceptor cancels last minute?

    • Policy limitations — what procedures or experiences are off-limits, even if your preceptor would teach you?

  • Red flags and green flags — what to consider when researching a program.

Several glass jars and packets of organic seed varieties laid out on a table, with green leafy plant stems surrounding them and a yellow seed packet label visible.

Still Uncertain?

  • You don’t need all the answers today, just a willingness to start the conversation

  • Always be honest with yourself

  • It’s okay if the answer is no — it’s better to find that out now than down the line

Have questions outside these?

We’ve got your covered.

Book Your Complimentary Consultation

Meet & Greet - 30 Minute Session

We’ll Chat About

  • Discuss your needs and how I can help

  • Clarify your goals, visions and hopes

  • The right session pace and type (individual or group)

  • Book with confidence

Let’s Get in Touch — Send us an Email


Let’s Work Together

Close-up of a smiling woman wearing a black shirt with a blue stethoscope around her neck, outdoors with green foliage in the background.

Listen to the Podcast

Listen online to The Thriving NP on Spotify & YouTube

RN to APRN: My Nursing Journey

What I Wish I Knew About NP School

All About Anesthesia with Lindsay Carr, DNP, CRNA

Nursing, Becoming a Pilot and Motherhood With Brooke Bettis Twomey, BSN, RN, CPHON

Renew, Recertify, and CME!

Path to PhD With Baldeep Dhaliwal, MSPH and PhD Candidate in International Health


Disclaimer

Thriving NP provides mentorship and educational guidance only. While I am a licensed Nurse Practitioner, I am not acting as your healthcare provider through this mentorship program. This is not medical advice, legal advice, or financial advice.

My role is that of a mentor and educator—not a doctor, therapist, attorney, or financial advisor. This mentorship is designed to support your personal and professional growth, but it does not replace proper medical evaluation, treatment, or professional counseling.

No guarantees are made regarding specific outcomes. Your success depends on your own effort, commitment, and unique circumstances.

Views expressed by me and my guests are our own and do not reflect those of my employer or affiliated organizations.

By participating in this mentorship program, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to this disclaimer. [Full Disclaimer]