What do you think about...

FNPhopeful · Jan 9, 2006

I agree with the above posts, my dream is to be a primary care giver, be it doctor, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant. I choose the RN route for several reasons. Besides the fact the RN gives me a bachelors degree and a paid position in the mean time. It shouldnt matter if someone becomes a nurse just to get to the nurse practitioner thats silly. Who cares?

It doesnt mean that person cant be a good RN and it does mean they'll be that much better of a primary care giver.

Shoot, Id rather do it this way then spend 10 years in college with no pay and all that school debt!

Papadoc · Jan 10, 2006

I agree with the above posts, my dream is to be a primary care giver, be it doctor, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant. I choose the RN route for several reasons. Besides the fact the RN gives me a bachelors degree and a paid position in the mean time. It shouldnt matter if someone becomes a nurse just to get to the nurse practitioner thats silly. Who cares?
It doesnt mean that person cant be a good RN and it does mean they'll be that much better of a primary care giver.
Shoot, Id rather do it this way then spend 10 years in college with no pay and all that school debt!

Yup, one can't beat the convinience of keeping your income, and sanity.But as someone who studied at a med school for a while I will never kid myself again what the diference between physician and non-physician is. I know about the studies, especially those pertaining to primary care (MD vs PA/NP). But there is simply no compairing in knowledge base, and the length of training of doctors and other practitioners. Most midlevels provide great, safe and effective care. But the buck stops with those who"spend 10 years in college with no pay and all that school debt!" This are very real and reasonable concerns to seek alternate to MD/DO routes. But all primary care is not created equal.

Saifudin · Jan 23, 2006

What do you think about nurses who become nurses just for the sake of becoming a nurse practitioner? Do you think one must enjoy being an RN in order to make a good nurse practitioner or do you think the sooner you become a nurse practitioner the better off you'll be. I'm just curious how others feel about the subject.

I worked as an RN for 3 years before going on to NP school. That was back in 1981. Personnally, I believe my RN experience particularly in the psycho-social side of nursing care was a great foundation. Also, as nurses we act as patient educators as well, something physicians generally don't do. Again, this aspect of nursing also helped form my own NP 'personality' and methodology.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jan 23, 2006

i worked as an rn for 3 years before going on to np school. that was back in 1981. personnally, i believe my rn experience particularly in the psycho-social side of nursing care was a great foundation. also, as nurses we act as patient educators as well, something physicians generally don't do. again, this aspect of nursing also helped form my own np 'personality' and methodology.

hello, saifudin, check out another thread in the np forum:

np with no desire for rn?

btw, i agree with you.