New, looking to talk with NPs

Specialties NP

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Hello!

This site looks like a great resource.

I'm doing the prereqs to apply to an accelerated masters in nursing program at the University of Washington right now.

I would be interested in chatting with some NPs as I'm deciding which focal area to pursue. Currently acute care and FNP are at the top of my list.

Does anybody know of any programs in Seattle that help aspiring nurses find somebody to shadow in their area of interest? Or if there are any NPs on this list that would be willing, I would be very interested in shadowing somebody for a day.

I volunteer at a local hospital right now, so am gaining some experience and perspective that way, but would really like to talk to some folks who are in the profession already.

Thank you!

I am an FNP who went to a "bridge" program and I am also a NHSC scholar. My program did not grant a BSN, just bridged to an MS in Nursing. If you have questions, feel free to contact me directly and I would be happy to answer any questions. I am currently working in family practice in Oregon.

Hello!

This site looks like a great resource.

I'm doing the prereqs to apply to an accelerated masters in nursing program at the University of Washington right now.

I would be interested in chatting with some NPs as I'm deciding which focal area to pursue. Currently acute care and FNP are at the top of my list.

Does anybody know of any programs in Seattle that help aspiring nurses find somebody to shadow in their area of interest? Or if there are any NPs on this list that would be willing, I would be very interested in shadowing somebody for a day.

I volunteer at a local hospital right now, so am gaining some experience and perspective that way, but would really like to talk to some folks who are in the profession already.

Thank you!

I cannot speak to the Seattle area since I live in the Midwest, but would be happy to chat about your focal area. I too once chose between acute care and FNP. I ended up with FNP because I live in a rural setting where the hospitals would not use us. The FNP can be utilized both in acute care and primary care. I am now in an ER with my FNP. WHere are you thinking of going to school?

I am currently doing the first year in a Master's Entry program in MA and I was interested in doing the NHSC scholar program. However, I noticed that on the website, it specifically says that it will not pay for Direct Entry/Master's Entry programs.

Is this a mistake on their part? Also, how competitive is it to get a scholarship? I realize it is probably too late to get it for my first year but as I am interested in working in an underserved area anyway, it would be a great way to get some help on tuition.

Also, for those who graduated from Master's Entry programs - did you find it difficult to find jobs after just the first portion? I plan to take next year off but I am a little worried as my program doesn't grant a BSN, just a certificate. Hopefully, I will be able to find something.

Hi All,

I too am planning to pursue either an Accelerated BSN program or a Direct Entry Masters program, as my goal is to become an NP. Only one school in San Diego offers either option, so I am researching other schools. I have a pretty comprehensive spreadsheet put together with most schools around the country offering either option. Do you think it would be worth posting the information here, and seeing what schools that I am missing? It might also be helpful for those who are looking for schools that offer the programs. I could also forward my spreadsheet to anyone who wants it once I am finished. It's nice to see others pursuing the same path so we can share experiences, etc. :)

I live in Seattle and thought about going to graduate school for FNP in San Diego. It looks like the only school that offers this program is USD. Do you know much about this school--other than it is some serious dough to go there? I went to a private school for my BSN and I think the quality was just as good as univ of wash. Since I have lived in Seattle for along time I thought it would a good experience to live somewhere else. I've always liked san diego but would like to know if the program is really worth the cost--i think its $840 per unit!!!!! Here in Seattle it's around $300 per unit. I'd appreciate any insight you may know! Thanks!

There should be a phone number to call NHSC for verification, 1-800-221-9393 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST or e-mail [email protected] according to their website. I believe this is likely an error, although they do require you to work as an FNP for the NHSC scholarship. These loans are pretty competitive. For the scholarship program, only FNPs are allowed. I am a Psych NP and applied after graduation for the NHSC loan repayment program, and was awarded this fairly quickly. There is somewhat less competition recently, and the earlier you apply the more likely you are to be awarded loan repayment.

Hi !! :) I'm a NP who holds dual licensure in Tennessee and New York. I'd be glad to answer any questions.

I'm getting ready to graduate from an acclerated BSN program in dec. in the state of tn. I want to go on and get my NP, i have a couple of concerns. One cardiac NP told me that NP's top out in their salaries really quickly and that is average in tn is around 70,000's is that true? She also told me that they have horrible hours and sometimes it is hard to find a job because so many people are going to school to be NP's now. I just wanted to get someone else's perspective on this. I plan on practicing in the nashville area. One more thing would you recommned going straight in to NP school or working a few years first.

Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
I am currently doing the first year in a Master's Entry program in MA and I was interested in doing the NHSC scholar program. However, I noticed that on the website, it specifically says that it will not pay for Direct Entry/Master's Entry programs.

Is this a mistake on their part? Also, how competitive is it to get a scholarship? I realize it is probably too late to get it for my first year but as I am interested in working in an underserved area anyway, it would be a great way to get some help on tuition.

Also, for those who graduated from Master's Entry programs - did you find it difficult to find jobs after just the first portion? I plan to take next year off but I am a little worried as my program doesn't grant a BSN, just a certificate. Hopefully, I will be able to find something.

Hello,

This may be answered already but, I wanted to share what I found out about this. I am applying for both an ADN and a GEP program.

The NHSC will only pay the scholarship for us in either program under the nursing application not the graduate or NP application.

The confusing this IS that they put highest priority on ADN or BSN and that those in a Graduate entry program are working towards a graduate certificate but, will not be considered at the same level for scholarships at the community college or BSN.

Good luck,

I am hoping too.

Gennaver

I think that you are doing the right thing. Although there are several GEP (graduate entry pathway) programs, I feel as a response to the nursing shortage, I believe in Benner's philosophy of novice to expert, and there is no way around paying your dues and getting the experience you need to do that. I have been a nurse for 28 years, and am just finishing my first year as a masters student in a traditional NP program, specializing in geri, hoping to practice in geripsych. My ultimate goal is to teach, and even with my experience, which is pretty extensive, I will be a novice NP when I get out, and I feel, as does my mentor who I have tremendous respect for as a teacher and practitioner, that getting experience is worth every minute you put in, and that you will be a better teacher if you have experience practicing in the field first. I don't see how someone can go directly into an advanced practice role without practicing as a nurse first. The richness of learning experiences cannot be gained just by bookwork alone, or even clinicals as a student. I just feel that the nurses and NP's that I know and trust, all paid their dues by working in the trenches first. It's what gives us the empathy and gains the trust of other nurses, knowing that we are speaking from experience. Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Hi MUSE42,

I just finished the BSN portion at Hopkins, and was accepted into the direct entry program. I took a leave of absence this year and will go on for my master's next year (FNP). Many students go directly through at earn their master's with no RN experience. I find most school require at least one year RN exp (for some reason Hopkins does not) so I personally decided it was best for me to take one year to work as a nurse.

I know there are programs where you can earn a certificate in nursing and pass your boards and then go directly on for your master's. I believe Case Western Reserve has such a program. The big difference is you don't earn a BSN. Both types of programs require a previous bachelor's (doesn't matter what in) and all the nursing prerequisites to be done before starting the program.

When I was considering programs, I decided having my BSN rather than a certificate would be helpful and more secure in the long run. Just my opinion! Let me know if you have questions about the Hopkins program.

Also, if you're interested, I have a federal scholarship through the National Health Service Corps that is paying for all of my educational expenses (including monthly stipend) and in return I have to work in an "underserved area" of the US. They will pay for direct entry programs, including the BS or certificate portion--the only stipulation is that you MUST ultimately work as a FNP in an underserved area. They will also accept people interested in being midwives or PAs. The site is below:

http://nhsc.bhpr.hrsa.gov/index.asp

Let me know if you have questions!!!

Specializes in Trauma, Emergency, Urgent Care.
I'm getting ready to graduate from an acclerated BSN program in dec. in the state of tn. I want to go on and get my NP, i have a couple of concerns. One cardiac NP told me that NP's top out in their salaries really quickly and that is average in tn is around 70,000's is that true? She also told me that they have horrible hours and sometimes it is hard to find a job because so many people are going to school to be NP's now. I just wanted to get someone else's perspective on this. I plan on practicing in the nashville area. One more thing would you recommned going straight in to NP school or working a few years first.

I am quessing that you either attended Belmont or Union. Would you mind discussing your program as I am entering an accelerated program in Nashville this fall and could use a "heads up".

Thanks

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