Advice Please

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

I am not currently an NP student, but that is my eventual goal. Likely FNP or geriatric NP. I would love some advice from you all who are actually in the trenches, so to speak, earning the degree I want. I have been a nurse in LTC for 15 years. 9 as an LPN and 6 as an RN. I am currently Education Director and have worked in several positions. I know that I need hospital experience to do well in NP classes and was wondering if any of you could advise me as to what type. I plan to start with Med-Surg naturally, but not sure what else I need. I appreciate anyone taking the time out of what I am certain, is a busy schedule, to advise me.

[sailornurse]

As someone who had 23 years med surg RN experience and 2 years LPN in L&D before NP school, I don't think you actually need hospital experience for NP. Heck look at all those direct entry MSN programs for those with Bachelor's in another field & PA's may have no hospital experience either.

While it helps to understand how hospitals operate, as FNP in primary care, hospital experience has very little impact. I did have a couple years ER experience while I was in NP school which helped with X-ray interpretation, differential diagnoses, prescribing etc, it really is not required nor necessary.

[nursejoy1, ASN, RN]

Thank you. I appreciate your advice. I was thinking that acute care experience might help me with additional knowledge. Good to know that it is not necessary.