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This weeks guest, Josh, did not originally plan to become a nurse. In fact, his primary goal on entering college at BYU-Idaho was to go through business school and open a book store. Upon taking a pre-business course however, he discovered that the class, environment, and students were "not [his] tribe".  Enrolling in science classes instead he discovered where his passion lay. Not sure what to do in the science realm, he began researching  different careers in science. After much thought and study he finally settled on nursing with the knowledge that if he so desired, he could go on to earn his Nurse Practitioners license. Though nursing had not previously been on his radar, it has been a fantastic career and well worth the time, schooling, and hard work he invested in it. So give nursing a try, you may be surprised by how well it suits you!

Show Notes:

• Josh was looking for a calling that would allow him to help people for his job. Nursing fit the bill!
• As he was already enrolled in BYU-I for his pre-reqs, he decided to continue on there to earn his nursing degree. BYU-I also had a high NCLEX pass rate.
• Taking the NCLEX is stressful and unpleasant for everyone, but Josh had to go into his exam right after a car accident that totaled his vehicle!
• His first job upon passing the NCLEX was on a cardiac unit where he learned just how much he did not yet know as a new nurse.  Josh was constantly learning, asking questions, and studying on his own to learn the medications. 
• The world of rheumatology was opened to him by his uncle, a rheumatologist looking to hire an infusion and research nurse. Josh took the position. 
• While in this role, Josh earned his BSN. Time management became key as he worked full time and attended school, all while balancing time with his young family as well.
• After earning his BSN Josh decided to go on and earn his NP. He chose Walden University as it was online, allowed for more flexibility, and got him through the program faster than other options. 
• He chose to pursue a masters degree in Family Nurse Practice, (FNP) as this allowed him freedom to choose to work in various areas of nursing  rather than feeling stuck in one specialty.
• This program took 2 years. They were difficult but good years as he worked fulltime and was a full time student again as well. Keeping Sunday as a day for family, religion, and rest helped him stay grounded and in better balance with all of lifes demands. 
• The greatest perks to being an FNP for Josh? Greater autonomy, greater scope of practice to help people both at work and outside of it. Better work hours and more time with family. He does not have to work a 12hr shift, or nights, weekends, or take call. 

Links:

1. https://www.byui.edu/nursing/ Check out BYU-Idaho's nursing program here.
2. https://www.waldenu.edu/programs/nursing Check out the nursing degree options from Walden University here.
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