I am finding in most of the places I look for encouragement, tips, experience etc in social media, online etc. I am finding ALOT of negativity, STRONG opinions about how "dangerous" the "massive influx" of direct entry NP programs and new RN's who "think" they can "just become an NP". It is really disheartening. When I graduate from my program (I am finishing the last week of my first year of FNP) I will have a few years working as a nurse. I basically made the decision to apply while I was finishing my BSN and then pursued it not too long after getting my license. I had to have top grades in undergrad, attain top scores on my GRE, have STRONG references and recommendations from coworkers/preceptors/instructors. And now I have to actually learn all of the material, eventually being tested on it, then having to pass boards as well as find a job. I will then have to practice in a way that is safe and effective in order to keep both my job and my license. I feel that over time the path to and scope/role of nurses, "doctors", aides, NP's, PA's, CNA's LPNS, LVNs, RNs, BSN's, ADN's etc have intersected, changed and evolved. More and more people are looking at Nurse Practitioner as their ultimate career goal, not as a goal they set after years of working as an RN. These programs have to be accredited and we are all taking the same tests, passing the same classes (with differences but they still must pass accrediting body purview) and sitting for the same boards. I agree and yes wish that I would have had more time as an RN so that I could have more time and experience under my belt with patients. But I do not believe that this makes me or will make me an incompetent or dangerous FNP. IF anything I believe that instead of having any kind of notion that I have seen it all, or have a lot of knowledge, I operate to learn as much as I can and work as hard as I can to really provide excellent patient care. I spend my time in and out of school continuing to build my foundation for my practice, remembering that I should never stop learning and that there is always room for improvement. Everyone starts somewhere and to be honest I have seen the quality of care from fellow RN's run the gambit where years of experience was concerned. The point is this, I feel almost afraid to divulge the fact that I am pursing NP so quickly and that if I do I will be judge or criticized or dismissed. I don't think it should be this way. If there is evidence collected to suggest that only seasoned nurses should be considered for NP roles and degree programs, I haven't heard of it. Until then I guess I just wanted to speak about it and see if anyone else here can relate or has experience as an FNP/NP with relatively few as an RN. Thank you guys in advance.
I've found that most people who post on these forums are unhappy for various reasons, hence the negativity. Most people who are happy and successful are not going to bother with these forums. I'm only on here because I was curious and wanted to provide support to people who need it. Sounds like you are on a good path. Best wishes.
I encourage all nurses who want to be NPs (or any other profession), to go for it. If you have desire, motivation and opportunity, don't wait. I have be around many young NPs who did very well. Sometimes very young NPs just lack life experience, but there are saavy high schoolers who would do well in certain situation. RN experience does not translate to NP advantage, unless that time as a nurse was used to learn concepts in greater detail than required. Immerse yourself in your program and hold yourself to a high standard. You'll be just fine. Good luck to you and all the other NP students out there.
Personally, I think it is a bunch of BS. People need to get a life and stop acting like direct entry programs are the demise of the nursing profession. Where is the evidence (anecdotal evidence does not count) that indicates this is true? Where is the evidence that indicates "direct entry NP's" are not as successful as their counterparts who have years of RN experience? Anyone??As these programs have been around for at least 10 years, one would think that this evidence would exist. Until there is actual data that suggests all this negativity is true, I call BS and shame on you to all of the people who continue to perpetuate negative attitudes regarding the "direct entry NP".
People learn the most about how to do their job on the job, not in school. Perhaps the direct entry NP will be on a steeper learning curve in comparison to an NP who has 30 years of RN experience, but that does not mean the direct entry NP will be any less effective or successful.
In general, this forum is highly negative. Perhaps it is a result of horizontal bullying, which occurs in many female dominated fields, or perhaps the protection of the screen allows people to get really brave. Whatever the case, it is sad. People should be using these forums to provide support, not to tear each other down. Also sad to see that based your post (OP), the negativity is not limited to this board; however, just remember that a person's negativity says more about that person's own experience than it says anything about you. You have chosen a fine path and have worked hard to meet your goals. Based on how you describe yourself, I have no doubt that you will be good at what you do. Don't let the naysayer's get you down now; be proud of your accomplishments, and challenge their beliefs by being the best you can be. Good luck to you OP!
Personally, I think it is a bunch of BS. People need to get a life and stop acting like direct entry programs are the demise of the nursing profession. Where is the evidence (anecdotal evidence does not count) that indicates this is true? Where is the evidence that indicates "direct entry NP's" are not as successful as their counterparts who have years of RN experience? Anyone??As these programs have been around for at least 10 years, one would think that this evidence would exist. Until there is actual data that suggests all this negativity is true, I call BS and shame on you to all of the people who continue to perpetuate negative attitudes regarding the "direct entry NP".
People learn the most about how to do their job on the job, not in school. Perhaps the direct entry NP will be on a steeper learning curve in comparison to an NP who has 30 years of RN experience, but that does not mean the direct entry NP will be any less effective or successful.
In general, this forum is highly negative. Perhaps it is a result of horizontal bullying, which occurs in many female dominated fields, or perhaps the protection of the screen allows people to get really brave. Whatever the case, it is sad. People should be using these forums to provide support, not to tear each other down. Also sad to see that based your post (OP), the negativity is not limited to this board; however, just remember that a person's negativity says more about that person's own experience than it says anything about you. You have chosen a fine path and have worked hard to meet your goals. Based on how you describe yourself, I have no doubt that you will be good at what you do. Don't let the naysayer's get you down now; be proud of your accomplishments, and challenge their beliefs by being the best you can be. Good luck to you OP!
I'm planning on working for at least a year to two years after obtaining my BSN for several reasons.
1. The experience can't hurt
2. To be absolutely certain my chosen specialty is "for me", despite the fact that I feel that is.
3. I think experience would make you competitive to potential employers.
However, I would not discourage someone from choosing a direct entry path, nor do I believe that someone who does take this path could not make an excellent practitioner. Good luck on your journey!
I think you explained that well.I will be finished with the pmhnp program soon and i have to say the experience i have had will be the most beneficial to me. You dont have to work many years but i do think more than one year working as an RN is needed
Good luck to you! Continue to press on....your topic has inspired me to pursue my FNP after I become an RN as well. Please will try to trip you up when they themselves are too afraid to reach for the stars. Always, remember hurting people will always seek to hurt others!!
kailynnsmom
15 Posts
Best comment I've read since joining AN!