BSN-NP? DNP? No RN experience needed?

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Specializes in Bs, ms, teacher and currently obtaining BSN/RN.

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Just wanted to start off by saying I’m not looking for any negative feedback. I have a very unique career path thus far. which I can mention at the bottom if curious. 

Does anyone know of any NP/DNP/CNM/ programs that will take you right out of your bachelors program? Without having to have that 1-2 year experience? Some I have seen will do that but you would work part time in the program and achieve a certain number of hours before clinical portion starts. which is another good option. I am interested in looking into these programs if you do know of any. I’m also in the Carolina’s and genuinely like attending school and making that connection with classmates, but online course work is great for home life and I’m happy to travel for on campus hands on training if needed. Really really looking for a program that places you in clinical if possible to avoid excess stress.

- Pediatrics ❤️

- Midwifery 

- Family nurse practitioner (seems to cover the most provide flexibility)

- Clinical nurse specialist aligns perfectly with my long term life plan but I am not sure the specializations. 

I have my bachelors in biology, masters in molecular biology, ran a research lab, was a medical assistant during this entire time part time for a family practice, I actually went on to medical school but for personal reasons left after 18 months, I decided there was more than one way to help people and got my teaching license (became a general science teacher), taught for a bit, however I missed medicine SO much- so I pursued it again in the form of nursing with the ultimate goal of becoming an advanced practitioner, a voice for those that can not or do not know enough to speak up for themselves, I want to eventually (think closer to retirement) teach at a nursing school, and or use my collective background to develop and implement policy and protocol changes to make a real change for patients.

I started an ABSN which was challenging the first session but I did great, the second session was so unbelievably hard and I barely made it- turns out I was pregnant. Covid had hit, I had severe preeclampsia that ended up leading to help and made the decision to take a leave of absence from school during that time. Stayed on bed rest pretty much the whole pregnancy and still couldn’t control my pressures, she came early and was nicu (it makes me have an interest in nicu too but I don’t know if I could handle loosing a nicu patient) and I didn’t want to risk getting covid being pregnant. However after the traumatic delivery / postpartum and LONG recovery I could not fathom returning to that hectic schedule. I never failed out of anything to be frank as well. So I decided to start over because almost nothing transferred. I now graduate from a regular BSN in august. I love nursing so much. I know this was the right choice all along. 

I love pediatrics (really a huge fan of the infants the most) and I love L&D. 

I am really happy and grateful. But I am getting older and interest is just stacking up on the mount Everest of debt I have. it’s literally a half a million. 2 bachelors, a masters, 1/2 a doctorate, a teaching certification … all private school. I know…. And I have a mortgage and a kid on top of it. I have no more time to just sit and gain experience just to do it - every teacher I have spoken to says just go for it and apply. It’s a different position, scope etc. I have a unique background foundation and patient care experience and I would be fine. (Again please no hate) my teacher for my peds class literally tried to offer me a teaching job at the university for after I graduate after our last class on Thursday. which was flattering but just trying to give you an idea of - I can do this, I made it this far until peds without studying more than the night before and have stellar grades. 

I would work per diem or part time in school obviously. if this school situation is even possible to find I want to scope it out and hopefully apply in the new year for a conditional acceptance. Assuming I graduate in august and pass boards . I’m currently in the Carolina’s I’m in charlotte area but would travel to the triangle, Columbia, Greenville, etc if frequent visits

or other areas (if limited visits) like once a term. 

if you have made it this far- thank you. 

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I'm interested in Herzing University for FNP or PMHNP so far I've seen mostly good reviews but students do complain of a lot of busy work which I feel will be the case at any graduate school. There tuition is decent at $35K but it can be lower based off of how many credits you enter the program with, also they offer scholarships off the bat if you have a GPA >3.8 that's a 2K off your tuition plus others to apply for. There admission requirements is simple

*Meet the minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 or above for the program.   

*Submit Transcript from previous RN and/or BSN school for evaluation.

* Fill out application 

* No entrance exam

No pressure 

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If you have 500k in debt I would pick a more lucrative career than being a NP....like being a RN instead (as you are doing).

Herzing and schools that accept literally anyone are trash. You obviously are intelligent, work as a RN for a while and pay off that debt. RNs literally make more than a lot of NPs with all the contracts/incentives. Do NOT take on more loans.

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The reason I'm interested in Herzing is just to get it over and done with quickly. I've seen other much better schools but I can't imagine going to school for another 3+ years. I'm lucky to say I have no student debts or loans I've always worked full-time and go to school and pay my way. I currently do travel nursing for the past 3 years but I'm looking for the long term future I'd like to do the NP and open my own mental health practice. I'm getting tired of doing bedside nursing in the hospitals. 

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3 hours ago, jklstrive said:

The reason I'm interested in Herzing is just to get it over and done with quickly. I've seen other much better schools but I can't imagine going to school for another 3+ years. I'm lucky to say I have no student debts or loans I've always worked full-time and go to school and pay my way. I currently do travel nursing for the past 3 years but I'm looking for the long term future I'd like to do the NP and open my own mental health practice. I'm getting tired of doing bedside nursing in the hospitals. 

This isn't the best outlook to becoming a provider but if you want to go to a program where you basically teach yourself, go right ahead. Don't expect to be competent out of the gate though. You are basically paying for the piece of paper, everything else is on you.

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Specializes in Community health.
On 10/24/2022 at 1:01 AM, Numenor said:

If you have 500k in debt I would pick a more lucrative career than being a NP....like being a RN instead (as you are doing).

I came here to ask whether you’ve considered this. Simply because right now, the market for RNs is HOT. Particularly if you’re willing to work overtime, holidays for differentials etc, you can earn so much so fast that you can make a serious dent in your loans. Many NP markets are so saturated that you may end up making the same as an RN. 

I’m a former teacher as well, with an M.ED. Someday I plan to teach in a nursing school, and I think I’ll love it, because I absolutely love being in front of a classroom. The thing is that it doesn’t pay well; it is definitely not something to pursue when you’re having financial trouble. 

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I currently make $141K a year doing travel nursing in FL but that's doing bedside nursing 12 hour shifts and I'm getting burnt out I've been a nurse for 13 years LPN then RN. I have a lot of hospital experience which will help me as a NP in the future. I'm 39 and just looking to pursue my NP that I can be comfortable in a specialty without feeling exhausted everyday. Thinking for the future and long term I'm not getting any younger. I know that I'll make the same as a NP what RNs are making now but at least I won't be burnt out. University of St. Augustine is another NP Program you can look into I have their brochure still if you need it

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You might take a look at St Scholastica. They have a BSN to DNP. 

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On 10/28/2022 at 12:49 AM, jklstrive said:

I currently make $141K a year doing travel nursing in FL but that's doing bedside nursing 12 hour shifts and I'm getting burnt out I've been a nurse for 13 years LPN then RN. I have a lot of hospital experience which will help me as a NP in the future. I'm 39 and just looking to pursue my NP that I can be comfortable in a specialty without feeling exhausted everyday. Thinking for the future and long term I'm not getting any younger. I know that I'll make the same as a NP what RNs are making now but at least I won't be burnt out. University of St. Augustine is another NP Program you can look into I have their brochure still if you need it

Most NP jobs do not start at 140k...in Florida, it's 100...maybe

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Specializes in Bs, ms, teacher and currently obtaining BSN/RN.

Thanks everyone ❤️ I have a lot to look into and I appreciate the support! Im also OK with waiting a year or two for the right program (if I find it). I guess it just depends on the search. I have been looking at every school that offers an NP and driving myself a little nuts LOL Is there like a grad school guidance counselor out there we can see to narrow our search? 

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4 hours ago, Michelle marie. said:

Thanks everyone ❤️ I have a lot to look into and I appreciate the support! Im also OK with waiting a year or two for the right program (if I find it). I guess it just depends on the search. I have been looking at every school that offers an NP and driving myself a little nuts LOL Is there like a grad school guidance counselor out there we can see to narrow our search? 

You don't need one. Go to a local state school that is mostly in-person and guarantees preceptors. Otherwise avoid. Most poor-quality schools are easy to filter out.

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Specializes in Bs, ms, teacher and currently obtaining BSN/RN.

Yes, will be applying to a few of those too! ?  I would prefer that honestly for the reassurance of hands on skill training. You do need the hours for most of them but I’m OK waiting a year if I can get in to one of those. 

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