Considering NP program with almost 2 years bedside exp

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Hi everyone.

So I am considering getting my MSN in the FNP or ACNP program. I currently have my BSN and having been working in telemetry with adults for almost 2 years now. I have several concerns.

1) I am not sure if this is too soon and if I should gain more bedside experience and get more exposure. My co-workers say that I should go back to school because I am young (early 20s) and single.

2)If it is too soon to think about being an NP, then should I get my MSN in education for now and then go back and complete post-master's programs such as ACNP or FNP.

3) I am also wondering how important it is to do bedside peds or obgyn for FNP. The last time I dealt with a pregnant lady or a ped was back in clinicals in nursing school.

4) Should I try adult ICU before I consider an FNP or ACNP program?

I know these are a lot of concerns :uhoh3: sorry. I would great appreciate some advice from NPs out there. I feel like this is such a big decision. :o

Thanks in advance for any support.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

With two years of experience you should be fine. You might want to start part-time in the NP program just to get your feet wet. As to doing the MSN first in education, then the NP part, personally if you know you want the NP, I would say go for it.

I did an MSN (management and leadership) and then did a post-MSN CNS. I wish that I had just done the NP program to begin with due to the money and time spent.

Another option is an MSN/MBA program. That is the hottest ticket in my area at the moment.

I too advise getting your education done when you are young. I did nursing as a second career and just finished my post-MSN CNS May 2006. I figure I'll be working until I die in order to pay off student loans - lol.

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You should go ahead and start that MSN now! Think about it--you will have to take a lot of "general" classess in the MSN program, such as statistics, research, epidemiology, etc. By the time you have completed those, you will have more experience under your belt, and can decide on a specialization.

As the Nike commercial says, Just Do It.

Oldiebutgoodie

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

I think 2 years as an RN is great prep for the MSN program to be an ACNP, etc. I worked as an RN for only 1 year on a med/surg/tele floor and then started my ACNP MSN program and I'm fine with it. Being in the ICU would have helped me a little though (since we learn a lot of critical care in addition to acute care in my specialty program-although I want to go into acute care), but overall I feel like my 1 year as an RN prepared me just fine. I think it depends on the person. I just started my clinicals this past month (I'm in the ER) and with now 2 years RN experience under my belt I honestly understand a lot and learn fast, so I feel fine. Good luck. It's well worth it. :)

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Specializes in ICU.

Good for you for working a few years, and now planning to move forward in your career. :yeah: I started my FNP a year after graduating from a BSN program, and almost wish I had started sooner! I work full-time while taking part-time classes. It's been rewarding not to mention educational! It has greatly improved my ability to work as a bedside nurse.

Definitely go for your NP if you're interested in doing that. Don't bother with a generic MSN if that isn't your passion. Some ACNP programs require ICU experience, so be sure you have the appropriate skills or at least a reasonable way to express to the application committee your ability to move into that field.

As for your question about OB/Gyn or Peds before entering a FNP program... I have no interest in working in that area, and have no hands-on experience in either field as a RN. My classes and clinicals have prepared me to fulfill the skills necessary to perform any procedures in those areas. You learn it all while in school. At this point I've experienced so many pap exams that I'll be happy to never see another one again. Heh. :bugeyes:

Best of luck to you! I wish you well in your eventual program. Be sure to let us know what you decide to do!

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