BA in Cog. Psychology/MPH in Family&Child Health, need advice for a career as NP

[NursingSchoolHopeful]

Hi All,

I need advice on what I should do next to get into a career as a nurse practitioner. I've completed my BA in Cognitive Psychology and will finish my Masters in Public Health next summer in Family and Child Health. I feel I'm going about a nursing career backwards, so I really need some advice on what is the best approach to get to my career goal as a nurse practitioner.

Currently, I'm considering continuing my education to attain a BSN or a MSN, but would like your feedbacks on whether that's the best, cheapest, and fastest (I've dedicated a lot of time and money in my education thus far, and want to be a NP as soon as possible) approach. What program should I look into and apply so that I can get my RN, and start a career as a nurse practitioner?

Note: I have taken all the prerequisite courses, such as microbio, anatomy, physio, etc.

Thanks in advance!

NursingSchoolHopeful

[iPink, BSN, RN]

You may want to ask this question in the Advance Practicing Nurse forum so you can get better responses. I wanted to be an NP as soon as possible, but since being in my Accelerated BSN program, I most definitely want to take a couple of years to be a good RN before going back for the NP. You could do the ABSN program, which range from 12 months-16 months in length depending on program. I'm assuming the entry level MSN program last 2 years.

Are you thinking about being a Psych NP? My friend who is also in the program with me has already made up her mind that Psych NP is definitely her path. She has no desire to work on a Med-surg floor. She has her MSW and knows opening up her own practice is the goal.

[NursingSchoolHopeful]

Thank you for your response. Yes, I do want to be a Pscyh NP, any advice on what path I should take? What is your friend doing?

[maketheroadbywalking]

Just curious why you're planning on getting a nursing degree after the MPH. I am currently trying to decide between pursuing nursing or getting an MPH, I have a BA in History so would be returning to school for an ABSN if I decide to go with nursing. I have heard from a couple of people that having a BSN or MSN opens a lot of doors in the health field that wouldn't be available to someone with just an MPH, is that something you've heard about or encountered? Thanks for your thoughts!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

My friend is in the ABSN program with me. She wants to start working at a Psych unit after graduation. However, that may be a little tough with the economy, but she has hope. She has no interest in starting out working on a Med-Surg floor as a new grad. After 1-2 years, she plans to go back to school and work on her MSN as a Psych NP and open her own practice. So her path may be something you can look into.