Advice on accelerated programs and psych nurse practitioners?

[Anise1]

Hi all... (waves)

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on, and/or knowledge about, the Oregon State Health University Accelerated Bachelor of Science to Masters Program for Nurse Midwifery and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (this would also apply to others like it, which is why I decided to just refer to all accelerated programs in the title). Basically, it's one of the programs which is designed for people who have an undergrad degree in some field other than nursing; in three years, they receive a B.S. with a major in nursing and then continue into the master level courses. I'd be interested in the psych option. I actually have a masters' degree in social work, and my experience is in outpatient geriatric psychiatric social work.

I honestly don't know if I would do this or not, but I am really looking into my options and trying to decide what is best for me. I am just so tired, discouraged, and beaten down by the devastating job situation for all social workers right now. It's really making me rethink the way that I can best relate to clients and constructively fill their needs. I'm starting work as a CNA in a long-term care facility, and it's wonderful to be able to at least stay with a population that is similar in some ways to the one I am drawn to so much. I don't have a lot of pride in that area-- I have a masters' degree, but I am happy to spend a big chunk of each shift cleaning up... well, we all know what! To me, it's all about meeting the client's needs in the best way that I can. And if I can work with the psychiatric population more constructively as an RN or NP, then that's what I want to do.

Does anyone have any advice on which would be the best way to go? Should I just go into the accelerated program if I decide to take that route after a year or two doing CNA work? I'm at a point in my life now where the money really is not the biggest issue; it's all about how to get into a position where I can most effectively work with and help the population I really love. All advice appreciated!

[fayep]

Hi there-

I can't speak as a professional, as I'm currently applying to schools and taking my pre-reqs- but I can speak from some of my research-

I'm very interested in becoming a psych/mental health np and I'm looking Columbia and Georgetown's Direct Entry Programs. I have a B.S. and psychology- I thought I wanted to head towards a pH.d, but I changed my mind. Social Work was one of my options, but changed my mind after some research from speaking to social workers, who felt overworked, underpaid, and under-appreciated.

I would suggest looking into direct entry programs- they are for people who hold a bachelor's in a field other than nursing, and are looking to receive an m.s.n. I haven't researched too many west coast schools, but in the east, I'm looking at Columbia and Georgetown, as well as some other accelerated b.s.n. programs.

Lucky for you, since you already have a master's, you've already taken the GREs (and if you haven't, some schools waive it for people already holding a master's degree anyway). Most schools require pre-reqs- Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemisty, Nutrition, Life Span Development, etc.

Good luck!

[fayep]

Hehe, looking at the other boards, it looks like I repeated things you probably already know!

[Anise1]

No, it isn't repetition at all, because it's YOUR opinion and your experience. :) Some of the pre-req's I have from the MSW program; some I would still need to get, and OSHU will actually take them from community colleges. The biggest problem I have with social work is... well, it's not the work, because I love it, and it's not really even the money. It's that I didn't realize that in a recession, SW would almost be the FIRST thing to go because of the way most of it is funded. The nursing job shortage will be temporary; for better or worse, too many nursing jobs are supported by for-profit institutions and big business for it not to be. I'm starting to think that in some ways the real SW job problem may not be temporary at all. I'm not "giving up on social work", but I have got to say that I have my eye on the DE NP programs about 2 years down the road, when I would be able to have all the pre-req classes done while working. At this point in my life, I can do what I want! :)