Did you graduate from a MEPN/Direct Entry program?

catch33er · Jun 30, 2006

Hey, TB - congratulations on coming so far! I graduated in 2004 from Vanderbilt's direct entry program, and did have to work as an RN (364 hours) before sitting for the certification exam. That is a state requirement in Oregon.

The only place I seem to get questions about my doing a direct entry program come from other nurses, especially on this forum :chair:. Once I was able to get my certification and started looking for work, the distinction of having done a direct entry program seemed to disappear. I was considered a new NP, and compared with other new NP's, whether or not they had RN experience. I was offered jobs by both of my first interviews, and both organizations seemed to understand my capabilities as a new NP.

I do not feel that to do primary care you need a lot of RN experience. I would not even dream of trying to be an NP in an ER, or an ICU. For those positions, I would much rather have years and years and years of RN experience.

Many of my classmates were able to find jobs right after graduation, and in positions where there was an understanding that they would take some time to really get on their feet. I'm sure that having lots of RN experience would help with some of the initial jitters, and there would be a better grounding of understanding of the use of certain medications, but I feel that I am as capable of being a good NP without that experience.

I am sure that there are great NP's who did not have a nursing background, and some lousy ones who did. I think it depends on the person, on motivation, and on having the right environment to nurture your growing skills. I am bothered and hurt by the backlash against direct entry NP's, but I try to ignore it as much as possible.

Best of luck! :w00t:

brownrice · Jun 30, 2006

Hi Tuckerbug:

I went through an accelerated BSN program. I am now in an FNP program. While in the accel prgm, most of the nurses in our class encountered (there were only 13 in our class so we were able to share/exchange info freq) vast negativity from the nurses in the hospitals where we did clinicals. I had to wonder why they wanted to knock us down instead of trying to help lift us up. If they were so concerned about our performance, why did they not want to contribute to making us better hcp's? It was truly their chance to really indirectly influence the patient care we would be giving in the future! It was very disheartening, but we persisted and each of us has done well post BSN graduation. It's so different once you get through those clinicals! Keep up the good work, stay focused on your goal.

KimHFNP · Jul 18, 2006

Hi Tuckerbug, I graduated a year ago from University of Tennessee's Master Entry Program. I also used to think that you had to have extensive experience as a nurse to be a good NP. While it is true that any health care experience will make the transition from student to NP easier, it is not necessary to be a nurse first. The jobs are TOTALLY different. I worked as a floor nurse while finishing up my NP degree and there is really no comparison. It also does not matter when looking for a job. I really had no real trouble finding a job. Most of the people hiring (MDs and office managers) don't even really understand the difference between a Master's Entry NP and an RN to NP program. They just care that you are certified. Hope this helps!

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Jul 21, 2006

Hi all--I'm in the MEPN program at UW in Seattle, doing ID as my focal area. Right now i'm in the fifth quarter, taking NCLEX in September and starting the master's part then too. Have any of you graduated from one of these programs and started practicing right away as a nurse practitioner? How was it to find a job? Did people question your program at all, that you did a direct entry one? I'm in my last RN clinical right now and the nurses have given me a hard time about this program, thinking that it is impossible and that I will not be a good NP without lots of RN experience. What was your experience? Thanks
TB

I graduated in May 2005 with my BSN and have been working in med/surg/tele as an RN for one year now. I was accepted to NP school to become an acute/critical care NP and will start in a few weeks. I'll still be working as an RN throughout my whole program. I feel that I am totally 100% ready to start my NP program now. I am a very fast learner and do not feel I need 10 more years of RN experience to do well in NP school and to practice as an NP in a couple of years. So honestly, don't listen to those people who are discouraging you. You know yourself best. If you feel ready, then don't worry about it. I think everyone is different. Maybe some people should get lots of RN experience first, if it helps them feel more comfortable with patient care. But after one year as an RN, I am already feeling like I need a challenge and want more responsibility and to be involved in more things. Who cares if others are telling you otherwise. :)

brownrice · Jul 21, 2006

CHRISTYS.....

word!