Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

BSN to Masters

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! :)

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    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'.

  • Quote
    • Author

    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. :)

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.