BSN-DNP, no experience

[acarlow]

I am currently a BSN student, graduating in May. I want to be an ACNP, thus I applied to the University of Arizona's BSN-DNP ACNP Program. I just received notification that I was accepted. Since, I have told others in the field and have had mixed feedback about my decision. Many say I should have at least 2 years' experience prior to starting a program. Here are some details, and my plan.

ACNP Program - 4 year program; work as much as possible during coursework, before clinicals begin (practice inquiry/clinicals begin in second year Spring semester)

My history: I will graduate my BSN with 1080 clinical hours, 540 are senior residency hours. I did a 12 week Summer internship in a Level 2 Trauma Center Emergency Department. I have worked as a CNA for 3 years. Lastly, I have applied to a New RN Residency Program with preference to an Emergency Department/ ICU setting.

I am young, 22, in a serious relationship (5+ years), have no kids, and a very strong support system. I am a motivated, dedicated student and am self-driven. ((The reason I want to go straight through is because I want to have a stable career before starting a family, I want to be 110% focused on school before distractions -such as kids-))

To cut to the chase I want honest input from individuals on my decision to go straight through from BSN-DNP. I know it will be difficult, but I am prepared. Please be honest on your experience, good or bad. Also, any resources you are aware of is greatly appreciated!! ?

[inspiredRN10]

Oh oh my mistake! Well I am sure it is similar! Do you like the online format?

[Palliative Care, DNP]

I do like the online format but I was used to doing it already. I completed my RN to BSN online. My only complaint is that they still assign group projects.

[newbie23]

Thank you so much, guys. I appreciate all your response and will take your advice to heart.;-) I have only been an RN for almost 2 years. I mainly work medsurg but requested to transfer to a progressive care unit so I can be more exposed to cardiac drips and higher acuity cases to make me more prepared for fnp or acnp classes. I just want to learn more. I don't know...I just feel that there is always something lacking and so I try to challenge myself to look for answers to make myself better at bedside. I get scared whenever I am in a patient's room and I don't know how I could help them better. I have been scold at by doctors for not anticipating or suggesting what they should order because I know the patient more than they do because they are just covering for somebody. So, I thought I better know more if I want to be able to do more. I can't suggest what I don't know.

I was offered to do charge on our medsurg floor but I just feel that being responsible for my co-staff RNs and CNAs and the patients on our floor isn't for me yet. I also wonder why my senior RNs won't take the job when they are more qualified than I am in terms of experience. I am sure anybody can do the paperwork charge nurses do but when a health emergency happens, experience and the effort one puts into learning and developing nursing skills counts a lot in saving a life.

I am just waiting for University of Arizona to open the application submission period for Fall next year. They said they will start accepting applicants by September.

Again thank you all.=D

[newbie23]

To greygooseuria: a sports med class sounds awesome. Does it require one to take the MCAT before you can take it? or it is just a class sort of like a part of what sports doctors take and not the entire sports medicine program?

[inspiredRN10]

Newbie23, I totally understand how you feel. I am on a progressive care floor now. I am planning to apply to u of a this fall too! So lets stay in touch this fall! :) I read "they accept everybody" but I am not sure how true that is. I can only imagine how competitive it is, so I doubt they accept everyone. Are you planning on working full time throughout the program?

[greygooseuria]

I took it in my NP program because my school offered it as an elective. It was called "Sports Medicine Evaluation and Treatment for the Primary Care Professional". The book that we used is on Amazon (Primary Health Care for Sports by Brian Toy and Phyllis Healy).

[newbie23]

@ inspiredRN10: Yeah, you are right. It must be tough to compete for a spot especially they are one of those schools where tuition is affordable and does not equal buying a house. Other schools charge like 50k-70k for an entire program.=s

Let's keep in touch. It'll be fun to have somebody who will be doing the same program as I am. I hope we both get in.=) Good luck to us!!!=D

I plan to work full time and then study part-time. It will be easier on my body and health and also easier for me to budget for payments. I don't want to take loans because I am thinking that I will already be in debt even before I finish school and what if I don't pass the certification as soon as I graduate...=s

[newbie23]

@greygooseuria: It is great to have an option like that. It'll give NPs more independence when they have received more training. Plus, it'll make one more confident and sure that they can handle cases such as those when they are presented with them.=)

[misstekaboo]

For those of you already in the BSN-DNP program, how do you like your classes? Do you find the teachers helpful? Do your classes have a lecture component or is there more power point teaching? Thanks in advance for any insight!

[inspiredRN10]

For those of you who just started and went to RISE this fall, how it is going!!? :)

[NP2B2016]

One advise for those considering BSN-DNP find the school that helps with clinical placement. I am being serious.

[ron27]

I like your idea of pursuing an advance practice however it is much better if you have couple of years experience in your field before pushing through. it is like jumping in to the river without a life vest,I know that you will be able to swim but the strong current might injure you. This is just my opinion and the decision is still yours. best regards