Calling all Neonatal NP's!

[Micque11]

Hey NNP's,

I'm looking into Neonatal NP programs. Has anyone done an online program. Did you have any issues when applying for jobs? Did employers frown on the online degree? I've recently seen in other specialties and certain states that they won't hire NP's with online degrees. Some advice/experience with the post graduation process would be appreciated! The last thing I want to do is spend the money and time on an online program only to not be hirable! And just FYI, I'm looking at online programs because 1) there are a LOT of them out there for NNP's and 2) I'm a military spouse and the possibility of having to move at any time is always a possibility so it's not necessarily a smart decision to do a more traditional program. I've been a nurse for 7 years so no new grad status here. :) TIA!

[pro-student]

Online vs. brick and mortar is a less important distinction than the overall quality of the program. There are some exceptional programs that are primarily online (Vanderbilt, for example) and some very low quality that are in person. While you might run into some stigma against online programs in general, most employers will recognize that there is much more important measures of a well trained provider. A much bigger influence on training is the clinical experiences rather than where/how you go to class. Look for a school that allows you the opportunity for high quality preceptors and clinical experiences. There is more variability with distance programs since many rely on students to find their own preceptors but if you are already an experienced NICU nurse and have contacts then you might be in a better position.

[Micque11]

Thank you! I'm glad you mentioned Vanderbilt because that's one of my top picks I've been loooking at. This helps!

i had looked at Ohio state online and it showed a map of the US and where states were at with excepting an online degree. I got discouraged when it had my current state in a "limited acceptance" category. But when I went on my States BON I didn't see anything that specifically told me what the limitations were. I did shoot the BON an email, so we will see what that says.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to student NP forum

[chare]

QUOTE=Micque11;9715494][...]

...But when I went on my States BON I didn't see anything that specifically told me what the limitations were. I did shoot the BON an email, so we will see what that says.

These restrictions came as a result of a U.S. Department of Education requirement an online program, if it includes any activities in another state, the program had to be approved by that state. If the class is conducted completely on line, it generally isn't problematic; however, it becomes an issue if you have to complete clinical in your state.

As this requirement is for all educational offerings and not just nursing, you likely won't find information on your state's board of nursing website. If you contact someone in the program you are considering as they should be able to help you determine whether you can participate in your state. If not, they should be able to direct you to the appropriate agency in your state.