entering NP without RN experience

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hi all, I'm interested in studying FNP. However, I only have 8 months of work experience as an RN in Home Healthcare setting. I cannot continue to get more experience because I am an F1 student: my OPT expired and I do not have a work permit. Now, I'm having difficulty finding university that is willing to accept me for the program, citing my lack of experience. I would really appreciate your help if you could suggest me some universities that you know do not require any work experience. Thank you!

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Specializes in ICU, step down, dialysis.

Moved to Pre-Nurse Practitioner Inquiry forum for best response.

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Have you applied many places? A lot of NP schools, especially reputable ones that provide you with clinical sites, have no RN experience requirements.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You also need to make certain the school

accepts international students as not all do.

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Specializes in Aesthetics, Med/Surg, Outpatient.

In addition to the above advice, I have to ask, are you willing to relocate in order to attend school? This is a major factor to consider as this may open a lot of doors for you that may be restrictive in your current location.

Is your current employer able to process a H1B for you? Are you able to extend your OPT training/papers?

Can/Are you able to attend an online program? I ask this because some schools limit F-1s to a certain number of hours that can be done online while some may be more lenient.

Can you secure a new affidavit to help get you a new I-20 in order to start your NP program?

I know I'm asking a lot of questions (some of which you dont want to answer on this board) but these are things that can really affect your decision. Btw, I ask them because I was once an F-1 student also... All the best

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