Calling all experienced RNs and NPs... any advice?

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I am going to be applying for accelerated BSN and Direct Entry programs in the Boston area for Fall 2013. I STILL cannot decide whether I should go with an ABSN or DE program. Part of me wants to be working full time as an RN after 16 months so I can finally have a steady income and be self-sustainable. I am interested in becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner but I have to admit I think it is a little strange that some of these DE programs expect someone without a nursing degree to know which specialty they would like to enter before they even enter the program...

So here is my question. Do you think it would be smarter to attend an ABSN program, work full time for a few years and then complete an RN to NP program part-time once I know what I want to specialize in? Or should I go with Direct Entry and try to figure it out before the Masters portion of the program?

Is it even worth all the extra time and money to become a NP?

Any advice is appreciated =)

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Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.

Almost all DE programs encourage their students to go to school part-time and work full time

after the pre-licensure portion is complete.

Unless you know you only want to ever work in one area, go with an FNP. You won't know what you really like until you rotate through in rotations.

Is it worth it? That depends on the person, it's a very different role.

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Great advice, thanks =)

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