Average amt of exp before NP

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Apr 2, 2007

I went back to school to become a FNP after being a nurse for eight years.

TPfan24 · Apr 2, 2007

After 20 years of nursing I went back for my BSN which took 6 years part time. Then continued on for my MS which took 4 years. Now looking for a NP position after being a nurse for over 30 years.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 2, 2007

I was an LPN for 2 years and an RN for 8 years when I decided to go back to school: did the BSN completion in 18 months, the MSN in one year and a post MSN CNS in another year, so when I graduated I had 14 years total experience.

VivaRN · Apr 3, 2007

RN for 7 months, then working part time while in FNP/MPH program ~ and it's going great! Love the ICU (work), and loving primary care (school) . Nursing rocks!

DaisyRN, ACNP · Apr 3, 2007

I was an ADN RN for a little over 2 yrs before doing an online RN-BSN program, finished that by the time I had been a nurse 3 years and the immediately started my MSN-NP program. Let me tell you what to expect if you haven't had a lot of experience when you start. If you are a quick learner and "good student" (for lack of a better word), you should be okay. You will work harder than some of your more experienced classmates in certain ways because they are already familiar with more drugs, interventions, etc. I am a "good student," and have found myself having to look up more than my peers during class simply because I haven't become familiar with certain procedures or whatever. Also, I have explored a couple different areas of nursing to widen my perspective, but I wouldn't recommend starting grad school with less than 5 years nursing experience unless you honestly feel you are prepared.

Don't rush into grad school... enjoy being a nurse first... that way you will appreciate moving on when you're ready, and I think you'll know when that time is. Some people realize once they've finished undergrad that nursing is not for them, or they find themselves at a loss for finding their "niche." Allow yourself to explore what areas you do and don't like... this will make a huge difference in determining your specialization (i.e. family, acute care, pediatric, etc.).

Best of luck to you!! Let me know if you need any more info... :)

b-girl · Apr 3, 2007

I was out of school (undergrad, BSN) for almost three years before I went back for my Masters.

ltvixen · Apr 5, 2007

thanks everyone for your comments, i love getting lots of response! I'm currently doing my final NS placement in the er for the next 4 weeks and it's great, exactly what i always pictured it would be. as for masters, i'm so school-burnt-out i can't imagine going back before a minimum of 3/4 years experience! i need time to forget everything i don't enjoy about school! lol.

thanks again! lins

DaisyRN, ACNP · Apr 6, 2007

thanks everyone for your comments, i love getting lots of response! I'm currently doing my final NS placement in the er for the next 4 weeks and it's great, exactly what i always pictured it would be. as for masters, i'm so school-burnt-out i can't imagine going back before a minimum of 3/4 years experience! i need time to forget everything i don't enjoy about school! lol.
thanks again! lins

*LOL* "time to forget everything I don't enjoy about school..." How funny is that?! You will miss it, if you have the drive for the MSN... I promise. For me, it was about a semester... and then I just started taking what couple of pre-reqs I needed for when I did get ready to go back to school FOOL-time. Just focus on your goals though... a lot of people get finished and never go back. They realize, "The status quo is not so bad" and dont ever go back... everything happens for a reason, ya know? You'll know when you're ready to go back... and if it ends up that "LIFE" happens, you may not want to go back. You gotta do what's right for you.

BEST wishes!!! :) :bugeyes:

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Apr 6, 2007

I graduated in 2005 with my BSN and began working as an RN on a med/surg/tele unit in the summer of 2005. I started my MSN program to become an acute/critical care NP in August 2006. I feel totally fine having only been a nurse now for 2 years and knowing I'll be an NP next year. I have received straight As in all the grad classes I've taken so far. I think everyone is different in his/her comfort level regarding how many years experience being an RN before going back to graduate school. good luck to you in whatever you decide to do! :)