NP program length of time

[emzRN]

Hi,

I am a critical care nurse, and I just finished my RN to BSN program. I am looking into master's programs, and I think that I have figured out what to do. I live in Champaign, IL, and UIC has their MSN program at the U of I Urbana campus. I am curious if anyone can tell me about this program, specifically the length of time it takes to complete, both full-time and part-time. I am most interested in acute care NP, because I love the critical care environment that I work in. I am curious as to what an NP program entails, such as class difficulty, time commitment, assignments/tests.

I have an appointment scheduled with UIC for the end of May, but would like to see what I can figure out before then.

Also, UIC offers a BSN to DNP program, which I am considering. I think it would be smart to go ahead and get the DNP, since it will probably be required some day, and I am 27, so it could be worth it. But I am unsure of the time commitment, length of the program, etc. Also, with a BSN to DNP program, would I get a masters or get to practice as an NP while completing the doctorate part?

Thanks for your help in advance. I want to make a fully informed decision, and this is a totally new venture. I have been so immersed in critical care, so NP school will be a change!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hi and welcome. Before committing to an NP program, check out the job situation. I know Carle Clinic is hiring APNs but am unsure what type. I live near Peoria and am familiar with UIC but not with that particular program. Also, as an ACNP, you can only see adults. Do you want to limit yourself? And...are the hospitals hiring for APNs in the ICUs? I know in Peoria, the level one trauma center is currently looking for APNs to work in the ICUs with the intensivists and hospitalists. However, this is shift work and they are having difficulty getting people.

I will add that I am an adult health CNS who regrets not getting an FNP which would have given me more options.

Good luck.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

traumaRUs gave you some important things to remember if your interest is in the ICU field. Most ACNP openings in the ICU involve rotating shifts. The intensivist role for NP's require 24-hour coverage of critically-ill patients. It is very much like being the resident or fellow on call for the ICU. Some places, like the one I work for, actually credential NP's for invasive procedures and allow a good dose of autonomy in patient management especially on the off shifts when there is no attending intensivist physician around.

Some of the hospitals here do have problems getting positions filled for straight midnight positions for hospitalist NP's. However, many have changed to rotating shifts in the hope that some NP's would be enticed if they do not have to be working midnights all the time. Our particular ICU had a long time getting fully staffed with NP's because we had a hard time finding the right NP with the right qualifications. Very few NP's with solid ICU backgrounds applied and we had reservations hiring anyone who didn't fit this requirement.

With that said, I do really enjoy ICU despite the ungodly work hours. I love the challenge of caring for the sickest of patients. There is also tremendous opportunities for educating ICU nurses especially the new ones. I used to work Mon-Fri 8AM to 4PM in a medicine specialty prior to my current job and I wouldn't trade my current position for that again.