[BSNDec06]

My school was only willing to accept me on a part-time basis because I'm a new grad (12/06). I will have over three years experience when I graduate with my master's degree in 2010. I have found the work experience to be a valuable contribution to what I am learning in the classroom.

[ukstudent]

Originally Posted by christvs

Honestly, I truly believe it just depends on the individual. I don't believe in applying one "rule" to everybody. I entered my MSN program to become an NP with just 1 year RN experience. I've now completed my first year of the two year program, and have received straight As in all 9 of the graduate courses I have taken. I really do understand the material and have plenty of examples of my nursing practice to think about while we are learning all of this in school. So now i've been an RN for 2 years now and feel totally comfortable beginning my first NP clinical this month. So again, it just depends on the individual-how fast you learn and absorb material, and your comfort level.

The OP is asking about going straight in and not getting any experience. If you had not had any work experience would you still be at the same level in your NP class. Not saying that you couldn't be, just asking what you think would be the difference.

[nursekc]

I know when I was looking into schools for my RN-BSN. A lot of schools required me to have my RN license before they would even give me the time of day. I was wanting to get more information and get applications while I finished my senior year for my associate degree. Out of the 2 schools I was seriously considering one required you have one year of RN experience before applying to the program. My plan for that school was to work on my pre-reqs. while working for that year. I did end up deciding to attend the school that did not require me to have RN experience. But I did have to have my RN license.

[jjjoy]

If one is planning to work in outpatient family practice primary care, then I don't see that acute care hospital experience as a nurse would help all that much. The skills being used would be so different and the patients at a very different point in their health journey. Certainly, having experience at the bedside would be useful for the FNP in this role but would it be NECESSARY to do their job as an FNP? I don't see it - though feel free to educate me otherwise. On the other hand, if one wanted to be a CNS or acute care NP, then the acute care bedside experience would seem much more relevant and fundamental to that kind of advanced practice role.

[yellow finch]

Funny... this post is over 2 years old. I wonder how the OP has turned out?

[SarasotaRN2b]

I guess in some ways it depends on what NP specialty you are looking for. A NNP program usually requires at least a year experience in a level 3 NICU, more preferably.

Kris