How much RN experience should I have?

Nursing Students NP Students

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I want to go back to school and get my NP license someday. I don't really know what area yet, probably FNP because it seems like I'd have the broadest opportunities.

I only have about 1 year of real nursing experience. I have 7 months on a cardiac/stepdown unit and am considering trying to work in the ED within the next year (if I feel like I have the chops for it at that time).

My end goal is getting my NP license though and I want to be able to easily land a job. How much RN experience would make me competitive for NP jobs in say CA? I really don't want to to work as an RN beyond 3 years (4 years would be pushing it). Is this enough experience? What about 2 years?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

Apply when you feel ready! There are some who go straight from RN to NP. There are others who spend years. When you are ready...take the step.

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I know there are people who go straight through; but in this economy some people who do this are left without a job. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a graduate degree and be left hanging at the end of it all. Thanks much for your encouragement!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.
I know there are people who go straight through; but in this economy some people who do this are left without a job. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on a graduate degree and be left hanging at the end of it all. Thanks much for your encouragement!

You never know what it will be like when you are done. Everything in life is a risk. People are graduating with RNs and not getting jobs all over....yet there is no shortage of students. If you want to be an NP go for it when you are ready. If you wait and the market REALLY opens up...you are now sticking trying to get into school and get through school before the market slows down again.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I don't think there is any data showing that new grad NPs with X years of RN experience get better/more/whatever offers than new grad NPs w/o the experience. I think the more important factors have to do with willingness to move and/or taking a job that might not be your first choice so that you can get that first year or two of experience under your belt and then getting the ideal job in the ideal location for the ideal $$.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

RN experience can help with job search, but the research really shows it doesn't make much difference, and most employers wi hire the best candidate regardless of RN experience.

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Specializes in PICU.

If you're mostly interested in primary care, your hospital experience won't do much for you. So I agree with the others who say apply when you're ready. If you're worried about getting a job after you graduate, that is much more dependent on how you did in school and other things on your resume that show you are motivated and interested in the work. Join NP associations, go to meetings, get involved. If you work during school, participate in committees that make a difference (not just the unit social committee), volunteer if you have time, take extra trainings, certifications, etc. That is what will get you a job. Not more RN experience.

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