ADN student...thinking about a "back-up" plan...

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I'll be graduating this December from an ADN program. I'm thinking about what to do next as far as school goes. I've been thinking a lot about becoming a NP but I'm scared that I wouldn't be able to handle the classes considering this ADN program has about killed me.

What do you all think about ADN programs compared to a NP program? I mean, obviously the difficulty level is much higher but is it a fair statement to say that if you can make it through an ADN program, you should be able to make it through a NP program?

I've also thought about getting a degree in health care administration and/or a business degree so that if I ever get sick of being on the floor I would have something to back me up.

Any suggestions?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

The worst is behind you. If you can do ADN then your can do ADN to RN to NP. Not that it's easy, but you can handle it, no problem. They are building on the foundation that you already have.

Health care administration and business degrees do indeed have a place, if that's the route you want to go. It will take you away from the bedside and patients and the NP still will have patient contact.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

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So is it possible to work full-time during a NP program?

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anybody?

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Yes, it is possible. Not really advisable but if you want to, you can.

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many NP programs have a part-time option - I am starting a MSN/FNP program this summer on a part-time basis while working full-time. That is the only way that I can do it at all.

In my case, I will not actually start my clinical experiences until next fall and will be taking Adv Patho, Adv Pharm and Adv health assessment for the 3 semesters in the meantime (therefore one day/week commitment). Once clinicals start I will have a day of clinical and a class day each week.

Check with any schools you are interested in to find out how their part-time program works, in the meantime I wil keep y'all posted on how mine goes once I start. Good luck!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Possible, yes. Two of my nursing school instructors did it. But believe me, something suffers. For them it was their fulltime job to TEACH US. Something will have to give if you take on an NP program on top of fulltime work. What that is, well it's up to you, whether you want to , or can, handle it. It will be very tough, but yes, it can be done. They did it, we paid the price, is all. Think about who will pay the price, and see if it's worth it to try and do both at once. Good luck to you.

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Possible, yes. Two of my nursing school instructors did it. But believe me, something suffers. For them it was their fulltime job to TEACH US. Something will have to give if you take on an NP program on top of fulltime work. What that is, well it's up to you, whether you want to , or can, handle it. It will be very tough, but yes, it can be done. They did it, we paid the price, is all. Think about who will pay the price, and see if it's worth it to try and do both at once. Good luck to you.

Well, I'd be working full-time on a tele floor while doing the program but I don't have any kids and live with someone who would support me through it all. If I worked 3 twelve hour shifts a week and then went to school full-time for a NP program, do you think I could do it?

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many NP programs have a part-time option - I am starting a MSN/FNP program this summer on a part-time basis while working full-time. That is the only way that I can do it at all.

In my case, I will not actually start my clinical experiences until next fall and will be taking Adv Patho, Adv Pharm and Adv health assessment for the 3 semesters in the meantime (therefore one day/week commitment). Once clinicals start I will have a day of clinical and a class day each week.

Check with any schools you are interested in to find out how their part-time program works, in the meantime I wil keep y'all posted on how mine goes once I start. Good luck!

Yes, please let us know how it goes! Good luck!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

Some NP programs are indeed for the full-time worker. It's much easier if you work 12 hours shifts. Several coworkers worked full time 3 12-hour shifts and became NPs.

Good luck.

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i worked with a nurse who was taking a NP course...she was working on weekends and going to school during week...she said it was really rough..i think it was rougher than the bsn degree because when she was going to school the first time around she was living at home and not working...these things don't come in a cracker jack box but the end results are definitely worth it

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Specializes in med surg, SICU.

Won't you need a bachelor's degree first? I would just start working on that.

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