Advice about NP

[vschick]

I am currently in my BSN program and still have a year left. I have been thinking about maybe being Nurse practitioner. No idea what specialty. I am only 20 years old and will be 21 when i graduate from BSN program. If I decide on being an NP, how long do you have to work as a nurse before you apply to the program? I always thought about workin in ICU or ER because i like being where the action is but i dont know. I like lots of things but do not want to go into elder care, OB, or peds. Anyone have any information about some of the different types? Any info is appreciated :) thanks

[Lammy01]

the following are generally recognized (or certified) nurse practitioner specialties: family nps, pediatric nps, adult nps, geriatric nps, women's health care nps, neonatal nps, acute care nps, occupational health nps, [color=#483d8b]certified nurse midwives, and [color=#483d8b]certified registered nurse anesthetists.

most programs suggest (if not require) that you have 1-2 years experience. with the nurse anethetists program i believe most frequently they require one of the highest gpas and require that you have had at least a year icu experience (or some sort of critical care). family nurse practitioner programs are i believe the most common sought after because of the flexiblity making more programs around, though also more competition.

i say your best bet would be to practice for a bit until you find a specialty that you are passionate about and go for it! but, no need to waste your money or time until you are certain what kind of np you want to be. if you are really itching to get started you could begin to take some grad classes that most of the specialties require- like advanced pharmacology. most schools with let you take a couple courses without even applying to the program.

hope that helps a little.

bests.

[TinyDancer760, BSN]

I was 22 when I graduated from nursing school. I went to work in an ICU right away. I have done this type of work for 2 years now. I am getting ready to apply to graduate school to become a nurse practitioner. The program I am interested in is a dual program in which I will earn both family nurse practitioner and acute care nurse practitioner certifications. It has clinical rotations in primary care as well as an emergency residency. I only mention this, because it sounds like you may be interested in doing something similar.

If you think ER or ICU is what you would like to do try it. When you get to your preceptorship in your last semester of nursing school, see if you can get a preceptor in one of these areas. Also, many hospitals hire new grads into these areas as well. Personally, it has taken me 2 years as a nurse to become comfortable calling myself a nurse. Take your time, the experience you gain as an RN will help direct you to the right type of NP program.