BSN to NP School?

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Hello,

I wanted to seek the advice of some nurses who are currently NP students or already have obtained their NP degree.

I will be graduating from a BSN program in May. I am working on an application to the University of South Carolina FNP program online as a part-time student.

Between taking 1-2 classes at a time as a part-time student, I will have had one year experience, minimum (probably more like a year and a half), as a bedside nurse before I even begin taking a course with clinical, as I will have several didactic-only courses to get through.

Do you have any advice? I figured that it wouldn't hurt to at least apply! I may or may not get in, so ultimately, I can cross that bridge when I come to it!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Your thread has been moved to our Student NP forum.

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There are lots of opinions and threads on this topic, so I'm sure you'll be able to find some more advice. Personally (emphasis on personally!) I don't think I would be a good NNP without a strong nursing foundation. When I think back to when I first started, the most dangerous time was when I had 1-2 years of experience - around long enough to see a few things and think I was an expert, but not long enough to realize I wasn't, if that makes sense. It takes time to learn how to talk with patients, families, doctors, and other professionals. I wouldn't have had my "nursing voice" after only 1 year.

Again, I don't know you or your background and it might work out well for you -- just my 2 cents.

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Hello,

I wanted to seek the advice of some nurses who are currently NP students or already have obtained their NP degree.

I will be graduating from a BSN program in May. I am working on an application to the University of South Carolina FNP program online as a part-time student.

Between taking 1-2 classes at a time as a part-time student, I will have had one year experience, minimum (probably more like a year and a half), as a bedside nurse before I even begin taking a course with clinical, as I will have several didactic-only courses to get through.

Do you have any advice? I figured that it wouldn't hurt to at least apply! I may or may not get in, so ultimately, I can cross that bridge when I come to it!

Thanks!

If you do not live in South Carolina (or one of the approved states), do not go to USC. They are not apart of the SARA compact agreement and the only state contracts they have are with are: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, Vermont and of course South Carolina. They do not plan to get further contracts with other states due to $$$ which meant I had to transfer (Would have been nice to know before applying/accepting even though I asked...). I learned the hard way after attending and paying OOS tuition which is sky freaking high.

My one semester there before transferring was okay, the classes were not difficult at all in hindsight. If you live in the area I don't think it's a bad option. Also there are up to 2 campus visits a semester so plan accordingly.

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I live in SC only two hours away, so it's practical in my situation, but thanks for letting me know!

How many classes did you take at a time and did you work full time during the program?

thanks!

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I live in SC only two hours away, so it's practical in my situation, but thanks for letting me know!

How many classes did you take at a time and did you work full time during the program?

thanks!

3 classes

No I switched to part time, just because I didn't need the money. But for non-clinical semesters I think full time would pretty doable. You will be crunched for free time though.

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.

I am in my second semester at USC and have been happy with the program this far. This semester is much more challenging than the first, I have started clinicals, and I really enjoy it.

I work full-time and am in school full-time. As far as your experience level, that is something that everyone has a different opinion on. There are many who feel as if no nursing experience is required, while others think several years should be the minimum. I came into school with 6 years of experience and feel like it was the right time for me.

ETA: what Dranger said is true, there are campus visits. This semester, I will have 4 for my clinical class, one of which is absolutely mandatory. The others can be arranged by video if you definitely cannot attend.

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I am in my second semester at USC and have been happy with the program this far. This semester is much more challenging than the first, I have started clinicals, and I really enjoy it.

I work full-time and am in school full-time. As far as your experience level, that is something that everyone has a different opinion on. There are many who feel as if no nursing experience is required, while others think several years should be the minimum. I came into school with 6 years of experience and feel like it was the right time for me.

ETA: what Dranger said is true, there are campus visits. This semester, I will have 4 for my clinical class, one of which is absolutely mandatory. The others can be arranged by video if you definitely cannot attend.

How was the health assessment class? Turn out pretty good? I think its great they did 4 visits especially if you are in the area.

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Do you have any advice for the application? What is the difficulty level of the classes as a whole, in your opinion? Do you feel like you are able to learn with the online format? Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.
How was the health assessment class? Turn out pretty good? I think its great they did 4 visits especially if you are in the area.

It's going well so far! The questions on exams are situational, which I like. It makes you think more than just the typical memorization and recall type question. I like the instructors a lot.

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Specializes in NICU, telemetry.
Do you have any advice for the application? What is the difficulty level of the classes as a whole, in your opinion? Do you feel like you are able to learn with the online format? Thanks!

I'm not really sure what advice to give you for the application. Is there something you have a specific question about? You can PM me. This semester has been more difficult than the first(in a good way). The first was busy for me since I continued working full-time and had to put in overtime a few weeks too (mandatory), but I was able to keep my head above water and end the semester well. This semester is more mentally trying from an information standpoint, I feel. I feel like it's transitioning from a more detailed patho review and additional theory than nursing school, and going more into the actual role of a provider, if that makes sense?

I like the format a lot. All of my classes have lectures that are put up, along with printable PowerPoints and sometimes, additional handouts. There's also additional recommended reading. I feel like I'm paying money to actually be taught and guided, rather than given chapters to read in a book and being told "figure it all out yourself". I feel like it's as close as you can get to an in-class setting without being in class. All of my instructors have gotten back to me, if not the same day, then the next morning, on questions I have. I have noticed the same on the discussion boards with other students. Being online gives me the flexibility that works best with having to work.

Granted, I'm only in the second semester now, but so far, I am very happy I chose this program.

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Hi! I tried to PM you but it said something about your storage being full.

I was recently accepted to the FNP program at USC! I wanted to ask you, if you don't mind, about how your classes are formatted and how you get most of your grades? What has been your most challenging class? Any other advice? Thanks!:)

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