NP programs and work experience

[TRousse]

I was looking at options for NP school and it seems that most require at least 2yrs of work experience as an RN to even apply. Is this pretty much the norn for most programs in Canada? I was just curious. I am particularly curious about the Larentian program because most of it is via distance ed and you can study part time part time. Any insights?

[Fiona59]

All of the NP's I've ever worked with had at least a decade of practice behind them. Some were outpost nurses up north and others had been military nurses. Never can have enough background experience....

[markjrn]

I second what Fiona says.

A NP without clinical experience would scare me. Just MHO.

[lalaxton]

There are some NP programs in the US that will accept you without any RN experience but none in Canada that I know of. When I did my program (in the US) there were a few BSN's who had not worked a day as a nurse and found it extremely difficult to keep us. Our program built on what was assumed we knew about basic care and went from there. I also feel that although some of these RN's made it through the program it was harder to find a job afterwards as many employers heavily consider your RN experience when hiring you. These factors are just as relevant in Canada. So if you are a new RN grad try to find a job in your area of interest keeping in mind what area you would like to practice in as an NP.

[TRousse]

Thanks everyone for the insight. It makes sense that experience would be important. What I had in mind was doing the program part time over 5 years or so. This way by the time I actaully graduate I will have some significant medical experience as an RN. I guess there are many ways to get to the same destination of becoming an NP.

Thanks again for the advice everyone!

There are some NP programs in the US that will accept you without any RN experience but none in Canada that I know of. When I did my program (in the US) there were a few BSN's who had not worked a day as a nurse and found it extremely difficult to keep us. Our program built on what was assumed we knew about basic care and went from there. I also feel that although some of these RN's made it through the program it was harder to find a job afterwards as many employers heavily consider your RN experience when hiring you. These factors are just as relevant in Canada. So if you are a new RN grad try to find a job in your area of interest keeping in mind what area you would like to practice in as an NP.