FNP with little inpatient/hospital experience

Dec 17, 2009 11:44 AM written by Purple_Scrubs | 9 Comments

I posted this on another thread, but I don't think many saw it to respond. I am hoping to enter a FNP program next year or possibly in 2011. Most of my nursing experience has been as a school nurse. Once I am an NP, my goal is to work in ambulatory care (School Based Clinic, Family practice, or Urgent Care). I realize that I will need to get some more acute care experience, since school nursing is dealing with a mostly well population. I will also be taking my FNP courses one at a time so I have several years to gain this additional experience.

I really have no desire to go back into a hospital environment, and honestly I do not see it (Med/Surg type floor) applying a great deal to my future NP practice. But, I recognize that I need experience with a "sicker" population. I am considering applying for an Urgent Care center for a position. I would consider an ER, but I doubt they would hire me with my lack of hospital experience. I do have a possible "in" at an ER in a neighboring town, but it would mean an hour drive each way, on top of 12 hour shifts. I just don't know if I can handle that!

So, I guess my question is what do you think of becoming a FNP in an ambulatory care setting with only ambulatory care experience and little inpatient experience? What do you think about the plan of school nurse to urgent care nurse to FNP?

carachel2 · Dec 17, 2009, 01:37 PM

We had quite a few pedi nurses in our NP program who had mostly worked in an outpatient clinic type setting. Also, I meant to tell you on your last string of posts that Ft.Worth has great school based clinics that are entirely run by NPs. Did you know that? Starting salary is pretty generous and you get state retirement benefits.

Purple_Scrubs · Dec 17, 2009, 02:48 PM

That is actually one of the places I would LOVE to work, even though that is quite a few years down the line. Thanks for the input!

BCgradnurse · Dec 17, 2009, 05:50 PM

Hi,

I'm an FNP working in urgent care/primary care and I have never worked as an RN. I honestly don't think my lack of RN experience hurts me in my job. I do get very sick patients from time to time, but it's usually beyond what can be handled at our health center regardless of who sees them, and we send them to the ER. So, I think you'll be fine.....

carachel2 · Dec 17, 2009, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Purple_Scrubs

That is actually one of the places I would LOVE to work, even though that is quite a few years down the line. Thanks for the input!

Then you definitely need to put UTA high on your list of schools. At least 3-4 of the instructors also work in those school-based clinic and it seems they regularly hire FNP or PNP grads directly from the program.

Purple_Scrubs · Dec 18, 2009, 07:25 AM

That's a good point, BCgrad. Probably whereever I will end up working we would ship them out too. My school nursing experience has helped me a great deal with knowing what is serious and what is not, so I think I will know when it is too much to handle on the clinic level.

Carachel, I really appreciate your input on UTA. The more I research it the more it seems to be the obvious choice, so I am thinking that is what I am going to go for! I am going to take their assessments classes this summer, so hopefully that will give me a leg up on getting into the program. My grades are very good, and I am going to take the GRE (even though I don't think they require it). I love to write and I think my essay will be good, and I know I have great references I can count on. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

BSN317 · Jan 08, 2010, 01:10 AM

Hello, I am in a similar position. I am a relatively new nurse ( graduated May 2008) and I ve worked in psych and in public health. I loved public health, and most of my patients were "well" and occassionally acutely ill but of course all we did was direct them to the ER anyways. I am currently in FNP school right now, and honestly I dont think my lack of real hospital experience is all that detrimental; nursing experience, maybe on some points, but with studying and reading I do well. I already know outpatient care is really what I like, so I was never too enthused about going inpatient anyways. I'd say GO FOR IT, I did, and Im happy with the decision. Good luck!

Purple_Scrubs · Jan 08, 2010, 07:09 AM

Thanks for that input! I really don't want to leave my school nurse job...I love it not to mention the great hours and time off. I may get a PRN at an urgent care for summer and school breaks. Now to tackle that GRE!

xraytech · Jan 14, 2010, 08:53 AM

Carachel2 and Purple Scrubs:

I am interested in learning more information regarding the school-based clinics that are run by NPs. I am not from Texas (all the way from the East coast actually), so anything else you can tell me about it would be appreciated... Where (what web site) would one go to find info on finding these school-based clinic NP job openings? Are they hired by the state of Texas? Not sure how/where to search for these types of jobs, or do you have to contact each clinic individually? Also, do you know if any other states have these types of school-based clinics? It is completely new to me!

And, have you ever heard of any FNPs employed as an actual school nurse? I am also interested in college health NPs and what that job entail if anyone has an experience in that..?

Also, about me: I'm a radiologic technician with no nursing experience applying to a direct entry MSN-FNP program with in interest in primary care, occupational health, college student health, and school nursing.

Thank you for your time, effort, and input!

Purple_Scrubs · Jan 14, 2010, 10:09 AM

The school based clinics in my area are run by John Peter Smith hospital (JPS), which is the county hospital. You can google their name with or without school based clinic and I am sure it will bring you to the right place. I believe there is also a national organization to promote school based clinics, you might find some good info there as well. Google that, school health, or school wellness and there is a wealth of info out there.

I have not heard of a FNP working in the role of a school nurse, but that is not to say that is has not or could not be done. I would think there might be some role confusion, because as school nurses we are not allowed to give even tylenol without a MD order and parental permission. I am not sure how that would work being an NP with perscriptive authority?

FNP with little inpatient/hospital experience

FNP with little inpatient/hospital experience

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