From RN to NP: What I Wish I Knew Before Starting This Journey
Real Talk from a Certified Nurse Practitioner
By Wes Clayton, MSN, FNP-BC
Founder of Next-NP: The Affordable, All-in-One NP Board Review
Becoming a Nurse Practitioner is one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made—but if I’m honest, the journey from RN to NP came with its fair share of surprises.
Between working full-time, going to grad school, and trying to pass boards while holding the rest of life together, I learned a few hard-earned lessons along the way. Whether you're just starting your NP program or you're deep in clinicals, I want to share what I wish someone had told me before I made the leap.
This one’s for the future NPs—you’ve got this, and I’ve got your back.
1. Being an RN and Being an NP Are Two Very Different Worlds
As an RN, you’re trained to implement care and follow provider orders. As an NP, you become the provider. That shift in mindset—from taking orders to making clinical decisions—takes time.
I didn’t expect how uncertain I’d feel during clinicals. It’s humbling. Suddenly, I wasn’t just “doing the task”—I was deciding what needed to be done, why, and when. If you feel unsure at first, that’s normal. You’re learning to think differently.
✅ Pro Tip: Ask lots of questions during clinicals. And don’t be afraid to slow down and really understand the “why” behind every diagnosis or treatment.
2. You Don’t Have to Know Everything (But You Do Need to Know How to Find It)
In school, it felt like we were expected to know everything—from hypertension guidelines to pediatric milestones to the nitty-gritty of pharmacokinetics.
Spoiler alert: You won’t remember it all. And that’s okay.
What matters more is knowing where to find reliable, evidence-based information quickly and applying it safely. Your ability to look things up is just as valuable as your ability to recall.
✅ Pro Tip: Get comfortable using UpToDate, Epocrates, CDC guidelines, and your old textbooks. Build your “cheat sheet” of trusted go-to resources.
3. Board Prep Is Its Own Battle—Start Sooner Than You Think
I underestimated the mental load of board exam prep. I figured I’d just “review everything from school.” But school is broad—and boards are focused.
If I could go back, I’d start reviewing for boards earlier, using a structured course that mirrors the exam content blueprint. That’s exactly why I created Next-NP: to save you time, stress, and overwhelm.
✅ Pro Tip: You don’t need 10 resources. You need one solid one that breaks it down clearly and covers exactly what’s on the test.
4. Imposter Syndrome Is Real—And It Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Ready
I remember the first time I introduced myself as a Nurse Practitioner—I felt like I was pretending.
Imposter syndrome can hit hard when you graduate. Suddenly, people are looking to you for answers. But remember: you’ve trained, you’ve studied, and you’ve earned this. Confidence will come, and with every patient, it will grow.
✅ Pro Tip: Normalize doubt—but don’t let it stop you. You’re not alone, and it gets better with time and experience.
5. You Deserve Support That Actually Fits Your Life
NP school is demanding. Life doesn’t pause just because you’re studying.
When I was preparing for boards, I didn’t have time for complicated subscriptions, overpriced review books, or content that felt outdated or disorganized. I created Next-NP because I wanted a review course that felt like it was built for me—working, studying, and trying to balance real life.
✅ Pro Tip: Invest in resources that respect your time and money. You deserve high-quality content that fits your schedule—not the other way around.
Final Thoughts: You’re More Ready Than You Think
If no one’s told you yet: you’re doing amazing.
Yes, the NP journey is hard—but it’s also powerful, transformative, and absolutely worth it. You’re learning to lead, to advocate, and to heal in a new and deeper way. And you don’t have to do it alone.
I'm proud of you already—and I can’t wait to see you certified, confident, and caring for patients at the next level.
🧠 Ready to Prep Smarter, Not Harder?
Check out Next-NP — the most affordable, all-in-one NP board review course designed to help you pass on the first try.
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