Best route to becoming an NP (any advice welcome)

[ceb83]

Hello all,

I am currently in the beginning stages of my education in nursing... I'm taking pre-reqs for the MSU (Montana, not Michigan) BSN program. My end goal is to become an NP. I would like to specialize in woman's health.

I know this question has been asked a million times on this site but... BSN straight to NP or BSN... work, then grad school. Or BSN to NP, work as an RN then with experience apply for NP. ???

I am a 26 year old single mom and want to choose the best path economically and, truthfully, I wonder if it would be difficult for me to reenter school after graduation and have been working as an RN. I'm motivated now and don't want to lose momentum. (Ask me how I feel about it in three years :)) I've been interested in health and have wanted to be a nurse for some time. I do, however, want the options that come with an advanced nursing degree.

Any advice would be very welcome.

Thank you!

[cmauk1]

Hi. Good luck in your studies! I think this will become clearer as you progress in your program. I went through an entry level masters program for my first nursing degree. I was able to work as an RN during the second half of the program. This was difficult, as I wasn't able to concentrate on my first jobs like other "new grads." I took an advanced practice position doing primary care for elderly people about a year after I graduated. My program was an adult CNS program and I did extra coursework afterward to be eligible for prescriptive authority. It's definitely possible if you are focused and smart. I ended up going back to staff nursing in a hospital after a couple years in order to learn more about critical care. Now after 5 years in critical care I'm considering going back for my FNP. With the additional hospital experience, I feel much more confident. I had several colleagues in school who pretty much started in advanced practice and stayed with it and have done very well. They all worked as staff nurses in hospitals during school. I think a lot depends on your learning style and self-confidence.