Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - Basic Advice :)

Specialties NP

Published

Hi all!

So, I have a Bachelors in Psychology and some Graduate courses in Social Work for my MSW. However, I want to switch careers to a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

In order to do so I need to receive my RN from a community college and attend my RN - MSN with a psychiatric NP direction online (I can't quit full time work...I'm almost 30!)

SO - here are my questions! And I thank you SO SO SO much in advance!

1) has anyone attended an online RN - MSN or even BSN program? Thoughts?

2) Do you have to do clinicals after your RN, how would I do those at an online school?

3) I live in Maine and the community college here says there is a 3 year wait on clinicals? Are there other options?

4) AM I COMPLETELY CRAZY FOR DOING THIS ALL OVER AGAIN? :) :) :)

Best,

Jessica

Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

You are NOT crazy! I'm 51 and wanting to get my NP. If you get your ADN you can easily complete the BSN on line. The speed at which you can do that depends on how many general credits transfer in. There are direct entry (DE) RN programs but to my knowledge not on-line. So, if you get your ADN you can complete the BSN or do a direct entry RN-MSN/NP at some schools. Once you have your RN you typically do NOT have clinicals for the BSN on-line portion. I am finishing my BSN at Ohio Univ on-line...no clinicals. If I go on to an on-line NP course of study I will have clinicals after the first didactic year. Those are arranged in my community. Some grad schools require a few on campus visits but those are of short duration. Good luck in your decision making. Many community colleges have a 2-3 year wait. This is usually due to faculty limitations. Is there a 4 yr program near by where you could earn your BSN? I used to live in Maine so I know there are some university programs in Portland. Since you already have a BS you would be looking at a few pre-reqs and then the core nursing program. Good luck and keep us posted!

0 Votes

Thanks so much for responding! The issue I am falling into with switching career is that I cannot find a RN program that allows me to attend part time. Community colleges and 4 year universities in my area require sull time study at least until your get your RN. Classes are ALL during the day. Therefore, my switch is on hold. I have a GREAT job and cannot NOT work and go to school full time right now. I am almost 30 :) A girls got bills!

Any ideas how to go about this?

University of Southern Maine is in Portland, York County Community College in Wells, and Great Bay in Portsmouth NH.

All good choices but don't offer courses in the later of the day or weekends.

0 Votes
Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Hmmmm....that does present a dilemma. If you must work FT then you need a PT RN program. I don't know of any online RN direct entry programs but I will help you research!:yeah:

0 Votes
Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Check this out! I don't know the cost but take out a loan!!!

Northeastern University

0 Votes

checking it out now :) i'll let you know what i think! this is excellent and i really appreciate your help!!!!

0 Votes
Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Please keep me posted. I so hope you can pursue your dreams!:w00t:

0 Votes

it appears that they only offer the nursing administration msn. i am going to give them a call on monday to see the details of the program. northeastern costs about 50,000 a year, regardless of full or part time. it is one of the most expensive schools in mass! however, there are loan forgiveness programs if you serve underpriveledged areas etc. so tuition is not necessarily a deciding factor - although my undergrad and some grad courses costs 60,000 already :)

thanks so much for the info, what a big help!

best,

jessica

PS - ill respond again once i have more information from the school if anyone is interested!

0 Votes
Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

Jessica, at least this will get the ball rolling. Can you get the BSN through them then move to another school for the rest? I didn't look at it real closely. The main thing is to get that RN first. Higher tuition really is minor when you consider you can continue to work, get loans, etc. I'm excited for you!!!

0 Votes

I'm actually not sure! I am going to call them on Monday to see if I can get the RN through them online, since the program is a direct entry to an MSN, they must allow you to get a degree inbetween. I am assuming labs and clinicals are set up around your sschedule? This is what I have had a problem with, since all labs and clinicals were during the day for about 2.5 hours during my work schedule.

I would definately go for the RN if they allowed me to do so. Because UMASS in Boston offers an online RN To MSN. And then there is Eouth Alabamba University that allows the Psychiatric track, with great reviews from people on this site, and only one trip to campus for a week or so. Can't complain with that!

Therefore, after all my research and calling, getting the RN was my only difficulty that was setting me back because of the need (and WANT - i love my current job) to work full time. SO if this school fixes the problem - it's a go :)

Keep you posted after I call :) TY TY TY TY TY TY TY TY TY TY

0 Votes
Specializes in Correctional Nursing; MSN student.

I was in a RN-MSN program for one course. I realized the end result was not what I wanted. The disappointing part of the program was there was no RN-BSN along the way towards the MSN. It would seem you would have to get the RN portion (NCLEX) before you could go on to the MSN so I'm optimistic for you. I sure hope it works out!

0 Votes

Mocha:

Also be sure to check with your State Board of Nursing to see if you can get a RN license from an online pre-licensure program. Many states do not recognize online programs where you learn how to be a RN and will not let you get a RN license in that state as a new grad.

Be sure you can actually practice as a RN before you take out tens of thousands of dollars in loans.

0 Votes

Hello all! I have some questions to those with some good advice....Question one...I have my RN, BSN and am thinking about going to University of South Alabama for Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. The online program. What are your thoughts on online programs and on this one? Do you have any advice on good online programs? Question two... Im still unsure on FPNP, any advice or comments on this line of work?

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment