Any thoughts on going straight from BSN nursing program to a NP program?

perioddrama · Oct 19, 2012

I was considering enrolling in a nurse practitioner program right out of my BSN program. I always have known that was what I wanted to do, but I get mixed thoughts on what is best to do. I am afraid if I do not go back now, I may not find the right time to go back later in life, not to mention the NP program is changing from a master's degree to a doctorate in a few years. Should I just go back right away or practice as a nurse for a while?

Whether you decide to continue your education now or later is really up to you. Do you need money for loans/bills right away? Do you have the prereqs (if required) and testing (if required) ready to apply to NP school? What do you want to specialize in? Some NP tracks required x amount of paid RN work before you can apply.

As to the actual degree changing from masters to doctorate, yes, there are a lot of schools that are changing it to the DNP, but it is not because of the 2015 deadline. Indeed, that "deadline" is far from official and written in stone.

There are plenty of threads regarding the masters vs. doctorate NP, so feel free to take a look. They may or may not sway you in regards to a masters or doctorate program/school. Some schools are sticking with their masters curriculum, so research all the schools - both masters and doctorate - and see what their curriculum entails and whether or not that curriculum is right for you.

Good luck in your research and further study whenever you decide to go to NP school!

Palliative Care, DNP · Oct 20, 2012

I say go for it because it is much easier to do it while you are in school mode. You will get a lot of different opinions on how much experience people believe you have as a nurse. There are no amount of times dropping an NG tube or inserting a foley that is going to make you more competent as a NP. Do what is right for you!

NOLAdLPN · Oct 20, 2012

Definitely a personal choice. Some people say its easier to keep going while you have the momentum in school. Personally I took a few years off before going back simply because I was always studying and didn't have much of a life outside of school and I needed a break from that.

Dalla · Oct 20, 2012

On the one hand, you may be in "school mode" and best to keep on chugging through it all. But, are you really sure you want to be a NP? If you haven't had any time as a nurse, you may not be really certain about what area you want to go into. And finally, I am starting a grad program next week. I believe it was a requirement to get accepted that you have at least one year of experience as an RN. Maybe most/all schools require this?