Advice for new NP grad student...

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Specializes in ER/Trauma/Critical Care.

So I found out about a week ago that I got into the FNP program I applied to. I was so excited initially, but now I am starting to feel a little more anxious. I am planning to work full time during my first semester. I'm weekend option, which will end up being fri, sat and sun nights and the rest of the week I'll be off. I guess it just seems kind of daunting, knowing how much time I'll be sacrificing, and I'm wondering if I'll still be able to have a life while going through this program. Still, I know this is what I want, and I'll do whatever it takes to achieve this goal.

Has anyone else felt this way? For those of you who are already NP's, can you honestly say that it was all worth it in the end? I'd love to hear from others who have gone through this experience. Any tips, advice or insight would be greatly appreciated :)

:nurse:

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Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.

Hi babygurl,

I am not an NP yet, but am entering my final year before I graduate. I, too, worked the weekend program (4/4 weekends) when I first started school. However, I also attend school part-time which means that I only take 1-2 courses per semester. Initially, it was doable; however, once I started clinicals I needed to cut back - but that might have been due to the fact that I have two young children, also.

I have to admit that for me, it was tough to keep working every weekend, 12 hour shifts because that was when I had the most opportunity to get my school work completed. FNP programs (at least mine) involve a lot of reading and paper writing, as well as presentations and exams, so it was tough for me to try and accomplish that during the week when I had 8+ hour clinical days plus my childrens' schedules to keep on top of. I eventually wound up going per diem with a minimal commitment so I can work as few or as many hours as I would like. It has definitely helped me tremendously.

I would say that you really need to think about your other commitments. Do you have children? Are you going to school full or part-time? Do you need to work full-time to make ends meet? It all depends on your personal situation - what might seem difficult for someone else may be easy for you. There is a student in my class who works full-time during the week and also attends school full-time; however he does not have any children or other commitments. So far, he says it has been doable but is considering taking a leave-of-absense from work this last year because of all of the clinical hour requirements.

Good luck to you in your decision and congratulations on being accepted to grad school!

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Specializes in ER/Trauma/Critical Care.
Hi babygurl,

I am not an NP yet, but am entering my final year before I graduate. I, too, worked the weekend program (4/4 weekends) when I first started school. However, I also attend school part-time which means that I only take 1-2 courses per semester. Initially, it was doable; however, once I started clinicals I needed to cut back - but that might have been due to the fact that I have two young children, also.

I have to admit that for me, it was tough to keep working every weekend, 12 hour shifts because that was when I had the most opportunity to get my school work completed. FNP programs (at least mine) involve a lot of reading and paper writing, as well as presentations and exams, so it was tough for me to try and accomplish that during the week when I had 8+ hour clinical days plus my childrens' schedules to keep on top of. I eventually wound up going per diem with a minimal commitment so I can work as few or as many hours as I would like. It has definitely helped me tremendously.

I would say that you really need to think about your other commitments. Do you have children? Are you going to school full or part-time? Do you need to work full-time to make ends meet? It all depends on your personal situation - what might seem difficult for someone else may be easy for you. There is a student in my class who works full-time during the week and also attends school full-time; however he does not have any children or other commitments. So far, he says it has been doable but is considering taking a leave-of-absense from work this last year because of all of the clinical hour requirements.

Good luck to you in your decision and congratulations on being accepted to grad school!

Softballmama,

Thanks so much for your response! I am single with no kids, so luckily I just have to support myself right now. I will be going through the program part-time as well. Eventually I think I will probably have to do per diem or something, once clinicals start.

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i just graduated from my FNP program and I know what you mean i was freaked when they told me i had to do 675 hrs of clinicals and still pay a mortgage and all my bills. I am married no kids but i worked weekend alternative at my hosp and picked up an 8 hr day shift during the week and still paid my bills fine. you will realize that their is no time to put money in savings in school-good luck you will do great!

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Specializes in ICU.

Congratulations on your acceptance! I'm in the last 6 months of my FNP program that has over 700 hours of clinicals! Had I known this about the program I may have chosen another school. ;)

No, you may not have much of a life. I work WEO Sat-Mon, have two days of clinicals, and the other two days devoted to school and homework. I attend school full-time to get through it faster. I have other personal commitments that I won't go into, but suffice it to say that I am busy, busy!

My poor husband doesn't even know me outside of school since we met as I was preparing to apply for nursing school (BSN).

However, I'm starting to look at jobs and the prospects are bright. Many of the docs I work with at the hospital know me well and are encouraging me to apply for positions within their groups. It's encouraging to say the least!

Best of luck to you in your education. :up:

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Congratulations on your acceptance! I'm in the last 6 months of my FNP program that has over 700 hours of clinicals! Had I known this about the program I may have chosen another school.

I think this is pretty standard for all NP schools. I mean, I wouldn't want an NP taking care of me who only had like 200 hours!

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Have a back up in mind in case you can't work those hours...meaning, don't be afriad to take out the loans required to pay for your living expenses if you need to. It is hard. Really, really hard.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma/Critical Care.

Thanks to everyone for your advice. I have decided to go down to WEO part-time starting in August. I feel this will give me a lot more flexibility with school, studying, etc.

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Thanks to everyone for your advice. I have decided to go down to WEO part-time starting in August. I feel this will give me a lot more flexibility with school, studying, etc.

I think that's a good idea! I'm not saying it can't be done, but it is very hard, and you can always pick up extra shifts! I underestimated how much time I would spend studying in the beginning.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

During the first year of my NP program I worked 24 hrs/week-but it felt like a lot since

I was going to school full time. During second year I switched to per diem and that was such a blessing for me since I had not only full time classes but also clinical and the homework was even more involved. I am still per diem now as I'm studying for my NP certification exam-and I never regreted it.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/CCU.

Congratulations!!!! I also was just accepted into NP school and was thinking of working WEO. I'm married and the only source of income at this time (husband is also in school). I am going to start off part-time with school but that may change later. Let me know how things work out you. Again CONGRATULATIONS!:yeah:

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

Hi, I also was accepted to start BSU for my MSN/NP in August. I am so excited, however when you think about the sacrafices time wise and not to mention money; will it be worth it in the long run. When I finish and start as a NP I will be making approx. only 10,000 more than I am presently as a RN. Financially is it worth it! For my MSN/FP it will cost me 23,000, thats alot of money for an RN to pay back. How about it? Any FNP out there who can tell me it is financially worth it, and worth all the time we put into becoming one.

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