done some soul searching, any thoughts?

Specialties NP

Published

I am registered to begin an MSN program focusing on education in the spring, but am having second thoughts. I am a very accomplished clinical nurse, and feel unsettled pursuing a graduate program that does not have a clinical component. The institution I am registered with offers a dual degree ANP/CNS and a post-master's certificate as an ANP. I enjoy education, but do not see a future in nursing for myself that is far removed from clinical, acute care.

So my options are, I can complete the MSN in education and go back for the certificate, or request to switch tracks within my institution to become a ANP/ CNS. Timewise, both options will take about the same amount, but going back for the certificate will cost me more money.

My husband is so tired of talking about this with me. I need some valuable nursing input!!

Cardiac-RN, BSN, PCCN

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

CNL from the AACN:

http://www.aacn.nche.edu/CNL/

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Sorry Charlsie, I wasn't clear. MVanz helped me out - thank you.

I did an MSN first with a concentration in management and leadership. THEN, I did a post-MSN adult health CNS.

SOrry for the confusion.

The CNL program here is also a generalist MSN. It is still in its infancy and hasn't started yet so am unsure whether it will be an entry level MSN RN or for experienced RNs.

Thank you TraumaRUs, this is similar to what I intend to do- complete the MSN in education, then pursue a post-MSN Adult NP certificate. I am happy with the way it worked out actually, because I will get some teaching/learning and curriculum building courses this way, which I am sure to find valuable at some point. Thanks again everyone.

Cardiac-RN, BSN, PCCN

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
Thank you TraumaRUs, this is similar to what I intend to do- complete the MSN in education, then pursue a post-MSN Adult NP certificate. I am happy with the way it worked out actually, because I will get some teaching/learning and curriculum building courses this way, which I am sure to find valuable at some point. Thanks again everyone.

Cardiac-RN, BSN, PCCN

Not to complicate matters for you but there is also the option to do the ANP/CNS now, then do a post-master's certificate in nursing education later. Where I'm from getting the post-master's certificate in nursing education only takes 9 graduate credits to complete. However, if one has a non-NP or non-CNS master's degree, it will take approximately 6 semesters of coursework to complete the NP or CNS program because of the sequential nature of the pre-clinical and clinical courses.

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According to the AACN there are still 2 FNP programs and one WHNP programs that do not give out an MSN. Looking at this the FNP programs may be the Stanford and UC Davis PA programs which will no longer offer the NP option. That does leave one WHNP program that does not offer an MSN. This may be a post certificate program that only takes MSNs but it is listed as other than school of nursing.

Another option would be the Clinical Nurse Leader MSN which might be more appropriate for someone who wants to do clinical nursing without the advance practice component.

For an example:http://www.nursing.virginia.edu/Programs/cnl.aspx

David Carpenter, PA-C

I think it's actually just the Stanford program which is cancelling its NP option.

Also, the women's health NP certificate program you mentioned doesn't require an MSN--just RN licensure.

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I think it's actually just the Stanford program which is cancelling its NP option.

Also, the women's health NP certificate program you mentioned doesn't require an MSN--just RN licensure.

Technically Davis is not canceling their NP option, but you have to take additional classes at CSUS:http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/fnppa/aboutprogram.html#MSNCurr

As far as the WHNP progran. How can a school offer a non MSN program knowing that most students won't be able to get licensed much less certified or get NPIs?

David Carpenter, PA-C

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Also, the women's health NP certificate program you mentioned doesn't require an MSN--just RN licensure.

I'm totally confused. Where is there a program for WHNP that is not MSN or post-masters certificate???

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Here is a link to the program's website:

http://www.womenshealthnp.org/

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Here is a link to the program's website:

http://www.womenshealthnp.org/

Class 125 is our last Certificate class however, we are NOT closing.

We are currently working on another summer WHC Update Conference (probably in August), as well as tailoring the program to become part of a masters prepared program. We are also looking at still providing on-line ceu's as well as clinic updates and many other continuing education experiences in Women's Health Care.

I'll point out this part:

In the past the California has allowed non MSN NPs to become licensed. However without an MSN NPs cannot bill Medicare and they are no longer eligible for California license. This is covered in the Stanford letter:

http://pcap.stanford.edu/program/FNP%20Option%20Change.pdf

David Carpenter, PA-c

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

core0 is correct. All new APNs must be MSN-prepared. Those who possessed other than, were grandfathered in once MSN became miniumum.

If you will note on the application, these individuals had to complete this course prior to Dec. '06.

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Yes, it looks like that program is ending their certificate option. But I'm pretty sure that's the "WHNP program that does not give out an MSN" which you were talking about in your earlier post.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Right. It does not confer MSN. It is for RNs who have experience in women's health. But, it is a moot point now for all APNs must be MSN-prepared.

There are certificate programs, but are post-MSN only.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

For example, I was ADN with certificate as OB-GYN NP. Went back for MSN. Have post-grad certificate as FNP.

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