ADN to NP...help! eyes are crossing

introspectiveRN · Apr 01, 2009 03:07 PM

Hello all and thank you in advance for reading and hopefully replying.

I am currently an ADN/RN with just under three years experience in nursing. I am seeking to become an Adult Health Nurse Practitioner or FNP. Because the bulk of my clinical experience is in hospice (read: very few peds) I seem to be underqualified to enter a couple of FNP progams I have looked into. Here is the down and dirty of what I am seeking:

-ADN to NP
-less expensive
-distance/online learning (preferably online)

any recommendations from RN's who have/are pursuing this would be sooo appreciated. Thank you.

*UVA Grad Nursing* · Apr 01, 2009, 04:50 PM

Introspective:

It sounds like you might be better suited for an ANP program rather than a FNP program.

Cheaper vs online are often tradeoffs. The less expensive programs for you are likely the public universities in your home state (whereever that is). If there is not an ANP prorgam in your state, there may be a consortium agreement to attend an adjoining state at the instate rate. Private schools (and out-of-state public universities) are likely to be more expensive.
Financial aid may also be easier to get at your local schools. For example, I get some scholarship money from the state government that is to be allocated only to Virginia residents. This means a discounted tuition for some instate students.

jer_sd · Apr 01, 2009, 08:14 PM

Ok here is my input.

Finish your BSN, this will allow you the greatest selection of NP programs you can enter. The ones that have RN to MSN will usually $$$ more and you can finish up your BSN and have more options. I am not a fan of the RN to MSN programs.

Use distance learning for your BSN, one example is University of Dundee use to give credit for specilty certs such as CEN if you have one of thoes that can be a step ahead for clinically focused BSN that is accredited rather than just taking leadership and public health (I did not take a course from them but looked into it, this is just an example).

For your MSN/NP take the best program you can find. Have some on campus sessions at a minimum this will develop health assesment and clinical skills. Online only have a much harder learning curve for clinical skills you are trying for advanced practice use your education options. Take a program that has sufficient clinical requirements and courses you will enjoy.

If you want to go back for a second NP that is a better choice for online only NP programs.

Jeremy