Applying for FNP too soon?

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Hello. I am currently working as an RN on a medical-surgical unit. I just received my BSN this past May. In an ideal world, I would like to start graduate school as soon as possible (to get schooling out of the way basically). I am very interested in FNP, but am not sure if it is the best route to go with. Is AGNP better?

Also, am I too young or inexperienced to apply in your opinion? I'm 22 years old and I know I don't have a lot of experience under my belt, but I feel that I would like more experience in the advanced practice level because that is where I want to be and practice. I also only have a GPA of 3.2, but I am planning to take the GREs.

I don't know. I'm a hot mess haha. Opinions anyone? Thank you so much.

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Never too young to follow your passion. I am also applying to an FNP program with on 10 months of nursing experience. You will never know unless you try.

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Apply now, last time I waited to go back to school because of health reasons, it took almost seven years to go back. Life just kept happening and it's easy to procrastinate, so just apply now and every day you work you gain another day of experience.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

Rock the GRE and apply now.

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Specializes in medical surgical.

Yes go ahead and do it. I am a NP but wanted the added knowledge to help me at the bedside for a few years.

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

I have three colleagues that are practicing NPs at 22. They do just fine and none have prior nursing experience.

Remember if you go to grad school and pass your NP boards you start a five year clock on getting an NP job.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Thank you everyone for your encouragement and support! I think I am going to apply for this year! Thank you for supporting my dreams :)

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I am 23 and finishing up my first semester of NP school. I applied just after I turned 22 while I was still getting my bachelor's. Was accepted, graduated with my bachelor's, have been working for 6 months as an RN and have had no problems in school so far. I was a hot mess with my decision too, but I don't regret it one bit so far (fingers crossed)! I'm getting married and want kids, no time to wait around to get this school thing done ;)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Neuro-trauma.

I, as well, just finished my first semester of NP school. I went right after I finished my bachelors and haven't regretted it one single bit. Best decision I ever made.

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Specializes in Primary Care.

I, too, have been struggling with the best time to start applying to grad school. Similarly, I'm worried about having enough experience (8 months as of this post) / grades (I also graduated with a 3.2), but also the financial aspect. I'm paying off a lot of stuff right now, but I don't want to wait too long (I'm 26 now). I have a second BS degree in biology (also a 3.2 GPA), so I'm hoping that extra degree helps my case when I do apply.

How long is a GRE score good for? I'd like to take it within the next year, but don't want it to be wasted in case I don't get accepted soon enough.

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GRE scores seem to good for 5 years at most places I've applied to.

Taking it earlier rather than later is a good plan in case you want to re-take it.

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I have three colleagues that are practicing NPs at 22. They do just fine and none have prior nursing experience. Remember if you go to grad school and pass your NP boards you start a five year clock on getting an NP job.

Boston FNP- are you suggesting that it takes on average 5 years to get an FNP position or am I misreading your post? Thanks ahead of time for clarifying!

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