In This Episode, You Will Learn: The requirements for Katy’s Nurse Practitioner program. How she landed her dream job in neurosurgery. How to make the best career decisions for YOU!   Resources + Links: Follow along with Katy on Instagram | @katybpnp Send Katy an email katybpnp@gmail.com   Connect with us on Instagram | @lifeinscrubspodcast   Follow along with our personal Instagram pages too!   Connect with Kristen on Instagram | @thenursekristen    Connect with Maddi on Instagram | @nurse.maddi   Show Notes: There are so many options out there in the world of nursing! We’re here with another reminder that your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s! You don’t have to work in a specific unit just to check a box if it’s not the right fit for you! In this episode, we’re joined by our friend and Pediatric Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner, Katy (aka @katybpnp)! From navigating school, to evolving life goals, we’re diving into what led Katy to getting her dream job and what she does to avoid burnout. Tune in to hear her answer the controversial question of whether or not she thinks you should have bedside nursing experience before becoming a Nurse Practitioner! 02:00 Meet Pediatric Neurosurgery Nurse Practitioner, Katy (aka @katybpnp). 05:20 What led you to become a nurse? 11:40 What did your Nurse Practitioner program require? 14:00 Landing her dream job in neurosurgery. 16:15 Who are the patients you see, and what does your schedule look like? 18:00 Do you feel it’s best to have bedside experience before becoming an NP, or do a direct entry program? 23:00 You DON’T work on a unit that you don’t want to work on, just to check a box. 24:40 What helps you show up on social media on top of your busy schedule? 28:30 What goals do you have for the future? 31:30 What is something that leads your life and has helped you make career decisions? 34:00 It’s ok if the goal changes! 36:40 Questions to ask yourself to make sure you are taking care of yourself. 39:00 Are you taking time to infuse happiness into your life in more ways? 40:15 How can we connect with you?