Advice regarding school/future

[hawkMSN]

Hi Everyone,

I just need a second opinion (or many opinions) as I am struggling with an upcoming decision regarding NP school.

BACKGROUND: I received my BSN and MSN (education) at private schools that are well known and respected. That said, I have some hefty loans. I have always wanted to be an NP but did not have the courage or experience and made the poor decision of obtaining an MSN in an area I don't necessarily have the drive for.

I have been a pediatric RN for almost 5 years but recently switched to a job where I am caring for both adults and kids. I also work for a for profit nursing school one day per week teaching. My love is pediatrics and I eventually want a DNP but I want to make sure that I am making the right decision. I also have a husband with extensive schooling/loans and two small kiddos. We know that we will likely never drive a nice car or own a house. We both chose education/loans over those options.

I have two options for NP school that I am considering:

FNP Certification at the for profit nursing school I work for -- tuition is free, miscellaneous charges will total about $1500 by the time I would be done (a little over a year). There is no assistance with setting up practicum. Start date is next month; however, I question how quality of an education I will receive here and if there will be a "lack of respect" for my education. I believe I will likely be studying/learning on my own, which, school is what you make of it. I cannot get a pass rate out of the school.

PNP DNP at a state University -- mostly online but I will have to drive about 300 miles per week to attend class one day per week. It is also 4 years long (even though I have an MSN) and will run me about $90,000 (tuition only, not gas expenses, books, etc). They set up all practicum experiences. Start date is fall but interviews will be in the upcoming months. Pass rate is VERY high.

So, I have a few weeks to determine what to do. My mind tells me get the FNP certificate but my heart is in the PNP DNP.

What would you do?

[caliotter3]

I would pursue the DNP, but would put it one or two years into the future while you pay down some debt.

[BirkieGirl]

I would do FNP, solely because of the cost to you. you can always go onward for DNP after you are a working NP and possibly get some tuition reimbursement...if you REALLY want to be a NP, take the fastest route to work.

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Holy smokes, $90k and 4 years???? Seriously, is there a question here?

First, would you be happy as a FNP, or do you want to focus only on peds?

If you would be happy with the FNP, I would lean toward the basically free FNP, you can go to an online school whenever you want to get your DNP for a few hours a week at night and for way cheaper, more like $10-15k I would guess.

If you really want the PNP, then I would research other PNP options.

Re Quality of program. It does suck that you can't find pass rate info, that does make me a bit concerned about the program. I would talk to several former students and possibly providers in your area to see if the school has a reputation issue. I would also check to see if you could line up preceptors before I started the program, some schools have bad reputations and providers don't want to precept their students, if this program is one of those, well that is another red flag for you.

[TammyG]

I think you should fully explore the employment possibilities of getting your FNP certification from the for-profit school. Since you are an employee there now, you will have access to that information. If people are getting jobs and if that is what you want to do, go for it.

[hawkMSN]

Thank you for all of the advice -- I appreciate everyone's thoughts!!