BSN to Masters

[DanielleM0411]

I went into nursing school knowing I do not want to work in the acute care setting and with the end goal of becoming a Womens Health NP. I am currently contemplating whether I should try to get hired in L&D for experience, or if I should apply and go straight into an NP program.

My question is, aside from bedside patient interaction, in what ways would having experience as a floor nurse benefit me as a NP? I have heard from multiple NPs that the professions are completely different and experience is not a must. Is there truth to this thought process?

Sidenote: I have 4 years of acute experience. I currently work as a physical therapist assistant on all units (ICU/IMC/Med-Surge/Cardiac/Neuro). So patient care is not new to me.

Anyway, any and all advice is welcome and appreciated! :)

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I would strongly advise you to work as an RN before your NP program. It gives you a depth of understanding you will be lacking if you don't. And (no snark intended- truly) PTA is nowhere near the intensity and responsibility of nursing. My son-in-law is a PTA- not dissing the role at ALL. But they don't deal with meds, lab etc- the 'big picture'.

[DanielleM0411]

What specifically do you mean by depth of understanding? I am truly trying to understand how the work of a floor/unit nurse helps with the transition to a nurse practitioner working in a clinic setting. It is rare (if ever) that any PA or doctor has ever worked as a nurse, so why is it different for a NP? I am just looking for specific answers. The general "you need experience" is what I have been getting from other nurses, and I am trying to figure out why! Haha

Also, I was not comparing the work of a PTA to a nurse, it is vastly different. However, I will tell you that knowing medications, being able to interpret labs and understanding the big picture, as a PTA, is absolutely crucial when working with patients. We could just as easily cause immense harm if we are not well educated and competent in those areas!! I was simply saying that I have a good deal of experience in patient interaction/care.

Thank you very much for your insight. It is appreciated. :)