Anyone NOT have enough exp before NP school?

elkpark · Nov 14, 2009

This was quite a few years ago now, but I attended (as a "traditional," experienced-RN student) a graduate program that included a direct-entry MSN program. My class graduated in May; in October of that year, I attended a classmate's wedding, and was really surprised at how many of the direct-entry NP classmates who also attended the wedding were still unemployed (not by choice -- they were all griping about how they couldn't find jobs). This was from a "big name" school. I don't know what the reasons were, and, as I said, this was a long time ago.

CrazyPremed, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 18, 2009

Thanks for the reply.

Anyone else?

CrazyPremed

HumptyDumpty · Nov 19, 2009

I am not a NP, but I will tell you that I was not accepted to a NP program because of not having experience (i graduate this fall). It kind of sucked not getting in right after my BSN, but hey, whatever... I will just work a little bit, make some $$, and apply again.

ANDIELLISON · Nov 20, 2009

I work for a large group of physicians who employee NP's. None of the physicians in this group will consider hiring a NP with less than 10 years nursing experience. They will hire a new NP grad as long as she is a seasoned nurse.

CrazyPremed, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 20, 2009

This is one of the few things that frustrates me with the NP path. Although this is a generalization, it seems that - If I went to PA school - I could find a job in an ER, with a Cardiologist, FP group, or pediatric hospitalist group right out the gate (if someone would be willing to train me). As an NP, it feels like I've got to get years in the ICU if I want to work for hospitalists or surgeons in a hospital setting, years in the ER if I want to be an ER/Fast Track NP, or years in Peds/PICU if I decide to work with inpatient or ER/Urgent Care kids.

I know the PA vs NP thing has been beaten to death and I don't want to restart it with this thread. Truth is, I'm leaning more towards the ICU/Hospitalist/ER/Acute Care route, but the idea of working in an inner city Family Practice/Infectious Disease(HIV/STD, etc.)/Low income area has always been a desire with my volunteer work.

I think I'm trying to feel out what experiences I need, and what lack of experiences would make me unable to find work in the field. I could always find a combined FP/Adult Acute Care/Peds Acute Care/PNP program, and work 200 hours a week to keep all certifications.

Thanks for the replies, and please keep 'em coming.

CrazyPremed

zenman · Nov 21, 2009

I had about 36 yrs experience before NP school. Hope that's enough.

ANDIELLISON · Nov 21, 2009

CrazyPremed,

I do understand your frustration but I believe there is a vast difference between PA's and NP's. PA's are mid level practitioners who can not practice without a method of contact with a supervising physician. NP's serve as primary providers of healthcare. From my perspective, and I may make a few people angry, the difference in the levels of responsibility for each of these professions dictates both the education and experience required to safely deliver care.

I started NP school with 20 years nursing experience.

allnurses Guide · Nov 21, 2009

I graduated from a direct entry FNP program with no nursing experience, but over 20 yrs. experience in another area of healthcare. I had no trouble finding a job after graduation. Interestingly, I couldn't find a job as an RN after passing NCLEX but had several offers as an FNP. I work in an urban community health center and find it both challenging and rewarding. I think I was well prepared to work as an FNP, and RN experience was not mandatory for the type of position I have, but it certainly would have been added value. If someone wants to work as an ACNP, then I think RN experience is pretty important, but not so much in the outpatient arena.

melmorris · Nov 29, 2009

I totally disagree with direct entry programs -- As an FNP you are making huge decisions that could be deleterious -- Having background as a nurse even just a few years will not only help you in the long run but be beneficial to your pts -- I went into FNP program with 18 years of nursing experience as both an LVN then RN - the programs out there do not teach you everything you need to know - and your clinical is only as good as the place you can find that is willing to take a student -- Even with that experience and most of it as an ER nurse - I was scared to death when I first started practicing - lucky for me the clinic where I first started had another FNP with lots of experience so I could ask lots of questions - I always wondered if there would come a day that I didn't have to look up everything -- she assured me it would come - and it did -- I have now subspecialized into Cardiology - and I have had to learn so much initially whenI first began = now it is every day stuff - but I still also keep up my pedi and procedural skills by working in an ER part time - So to sum it all I think that there should be a requirement for experience prior to acceptance into NP school - but what would that magical number be ?? I would say from my perspective at least 5 years

Trauma Columnist · Nov 29, 2009

In the tight job market at the moment - I do know of several direct entry NPs that do not have jobs. One has been looking for over 2 years!

In this economy you need every edge you can get. I do sincerely wish you the best with your decision to do DE. However, all things equal, it would probably help your job prospects to work part time as an RN once you become an RN.

TakeBack · Dec 9, 2009

CrazyPremed,
I do understand your frustration but I believe there is a vast difference between PA's and NP's. PA's are mid level practitioners who can not practice without a method of contact with a supervising physician. NP's serve as primary providers of healthcare. From my perspective, and I may make a few people angry, the difference in the levels of responsibility for each of these professions dictates both the education and experience required to safely deliver care.
I started NP school with 20 years nursing experience.

PAs - "Mid Level Practitioners"

NPs - "Primary Providers of Health Care"

Does a primary care PA deliver health care as a "primary" provider? What are the "levels" that the PA is in the "mid" of????

How is the "level of education" related to the level of physician involvement? You seem to be obfuscating two very different things- education and physician supervision/collaboration.

How many NPs are in true independent practice (zero physician involvement)? How many PAs? Do you know the real numbers?