Any NP's who graduated from a direct entry program?

Guest1144461 · Apr 19, 2020

4 hours ago, Ivy Wynn said:
Hello everyone!
I just wanted to hear from NP's who graduated from a direct entry program. How was your experience finding your first job? Did you end up working as an RN first, and then applying to NP programs after getting your NP degree? Did you do an NP residency program after graduating?
As for my background, I have 1 more year left of my NP program. Yes, I know that ideally I should have gotten my RN first, worked, and then apply for NP school. I didn't truly know what I was getting myself into 2 years ago and should have done more research. However, at this point, I can't just quit my program (especially with the student debt I acquired). I'm just looking for advice on how to do better from here on out.
Thank you in advance!

In my opinion RN experience doesn't matter, NPs are woefully under-trained and under-prepared regardless.

FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP · Apr 19, 2020

I did an Accelerated BSN, then straight into MSN AGPCNP program. Got 9 job offers. No one cared that I did not work as RN. My advice is to get into an NP residency if you can.

As for me, the first 6 months I was totally stressed out, but things gradually got better after that. After 1 year, I felt pretty confident.

Good luck.

verene, MSN · May 28, 2020

I did a combined ABSN/MSN program. I worked part-time as an RN during the master's portion. Having RN experience helped in securing my first job because it showed I was already familiar with the patient population, had a sense of what I was getting myself into, and wouldn't run screaming out the door after the first week - AND I could genuinely be excited about working with this population for this organization in my interview. I did not complete a residency. The Chief was upfront that she had some doubts about hiring me because I was a new grad (she'd previously only hired new grads who'd previously worked for the organization as RNs) but I did so well in the interviews (a whole day of back to back panel interviews) and came recommended by one of her favorite NPs already on staff - that she felt she could offer me a job and take the time to train me if needed.

It's been a steep learning curve but my colleges have repeatedly told me I'm a solid new-grad and they feel I have sound clinical judgement, like having me on the team, and that I have overall good instincts for this work and this population. I feel confident in my ability to safely practice within my training and current abilities/skill set and am aware of when I am in over my head and need guidance, as well as have a bucket list of additional areas to gain training/certification in down the road. Fortunately I work for an employer who is willing to invest in continuing ed, which fosters a collaborative work environment where asking for help is not penalized, and which has a lot of resources available when I do need additional guidance or run into a situation where I need to look something up.

Everyone from my cohort (prior RN experience or direct-entry - we were a mix) graduated on-time and all have found employment readily, even being somewhat picky about jobs. (It's definitely important to take a first job that will set you up for long-term success rather than taking the one with the most money or the first that offers).

ToFNPandBeyond · Jun 4, 2020

I did direct-entry.

No one cared about my measly 2 years of broken "school nursing" experience I obtained while in grad school because fellow students and peers beat the fear of god in me that I wouldn't get a job without one.

Got 3 job offers before I graduated ?

Not a single one asked, cared or considered my RN experience to work in primary care.

You will be fine.