Can You Become A FNP Too Quickly?

[rnmet]

I am brand new member to this online community, but I have been reading various posts on this site for a while now and find them very informative. I am in my 3rd semester of nursing school in a 5 semester ADN program, and I will graduate May 2011. I have a Bachelor of Science degree (in a non-nursing field). My goal after graduation is to immediately start a RN-BSN-MSN program or possibly a RN-MSN program (while working as an RN) to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. My question is can I be a qualified and competent FNP without several years of nursing under my belt? I work really hard in school and clinicals to absorb all of the information I can and work as a student nurse in a local ER which helps a lot. Most NPs I talk to say go straight through and get done which is encouraging, but some say I need those several years of experience as a nurse first. By the way, I already have all of my prerequisites finished in order to start my next educational step after the ADN program. Sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance for any feedback.

[Zookeeper3]

There are two schools of thought here. Some NP programs require a year of nursing prior to entry of your upper division courses. Many can be done on line as well as a BSN after you have your RN license. You'll have many hours of clinical, not just didactic along the way.

Some strongly feel that you need the experience to practice at an advanced level, others feel, just as a ADN program, it's on the job training after graduation.

Sure it would be easier, assuming you were a critical care nurse and wanted a Acute NP role, or L&D experience and then became a midwife, thats a no brainer... but it can be done. I've not obtained an NP license so I cannot realy relate, just stating the views as I've seen posted. Many will now disagree with this statement.... bring out the popcorn:D

[1louise1]

i don't know where you live, but most of the grad schools in my area (los angeles) have a one year experience prerequisite to apply. good luck!

[rnmet]

I live in Mississippi, and most schools in this region (MS, AL, TN) prefer or require 1-2 years of experience as well, but I've spoke with nursing recruiters at my schools of choice and I can start work towards my advanced degree while gaining my 1 year RN experience.

[Smurfette_74]

I say go for it Skeeter:D This too, is my career goal and path to achieving it. I wish you success in yours

[algebra_demystified]

Don't hesitate to continue your education. Read, study, learn.

Also, respect the experience of your staff. Learn from them, implement their suggestions, and grow from where you are.

I absolutely love the practice of medicine. It's fascinating. There is no end to how much you can learn.

[Fribblet]

NP programs do not contain near enough clinical time to become proficient without previous clinical time.

If you don't want to spend at least a couple of years at the bedside, consider PA programs.

(Before I get flamed: I'm not suggesting that NP programs are inferior. However, they do generally contain less clinical time than a PA program. There's nothing wrong with this if you have several years of clinical experience as a bedside nurse. However, jumping as quickly as possible into being a NP is dangerous to both the NP and their patients. IMO.)

[nursynurseRN]

I think the more experience you the better. Of course any nurse that has years under her belt will be much more prepared then a nurse who has one year of experience. One thing is though if you get educated as a NP then you will know what a NP does and will be specialed. I think you will learn on the job and it may take a little longer to get comforatble in that role then a vetern nurse but it will be possible. If NP is your goal go for ASAP!!!

[LuxCalidaNP]

As I near the same goal, I hear lots of mixed messages. The older nurses hold fast to the notion that you MUST work 2 years of med/surg if you want to do anything else. The more contemporary nurses sometimes feel like some can go through quickly. In my experience, I'm glad to be spreading it out...it's not structured like med school, where its ok to forget what you had in school because you'll have a 4-7 year residency to remember the relevant things...

Depending on the state, once you're out there as an NP, your resources are basically you, your peers, and if you're in a state that still requires it, your Doc.

A friend who graduated from an accelerated FNP program had a little freak out in Colorado when she was handed the same patient panel as the FP MDs...she asked for more internship time.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

It would be good to hear from FNP's who had gone straight into the course and what they felt the limitations were by not having more bedside nursing. Or if they felt it was an advantage not being by the bedside too long.

I am a long time bedside RN and my recomendation to you is sometimes you can get stuck at the bedside and not leave to pursue different nursing avenues or opportunities so dont delay too long.

Good luck with what ever you decide

[jlcole45]

Research the program you are applying to, because some require X years experience as an RN before making application to the program.

[CranberryMuffin]

If you can get into a program and start working right away on your FNP while practicing as a bedside nurse - why not?? You'll get your one year experience (or more) while taking classes part time and get some experience.

From what I've heard from others, however, I do think it's going to be a lot easier for you to get through the FNP program after you have some bedside experience. Things will just click a lot easier, and it might be nice to take a year off of school. That's my plan, at least. Good luck!