Direct Entry GRADUATE NPs

Trauma Columnist · Jun 4, 2007

This has been my point all along. I don't disapprove of the entry level NP but before I recommend this I always suggest that potential students talk with some alumni to see what kind of jobs they have. Good thread - come on out grads!

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 4, 2007

As you all know, I'm not a direct-entry NP grad. However, I did a literature search on the topic and found these articles. The articles are actually old... which was a surprise to me not knowing that these programs have been around for a while. Some of you might be interested in reading the full text of these publications which are easily accessible through PubMed (for a fee of course). However, I'm sure some who are already in NP school can easily access hardcopies through the college library. To make sure that I do not misquote the authors and in an attempt to comply with this websites' TOS, I have deleted the abstracts I previously posted.

Cook, K., Becker H., Weitzel, M. Integration into professional nursing by graduates of an innovative entry-level MSN program.

J Prof Nurs. 1996 May-Jun;12(3):166-75.

Munro, B.H., Krauss, J.B. The success of non-BSNs in graduate nursing programs.

J Nurs Educ. 1985 May;24(5):192-6.

Smith, P.L., Shoffner, D.H. Non-nurse college graduates: a new resource for future nurse practitioners.

Nurse Pract. 1991 Jan;16(1):49-53.

NHavenRN · Jun 4, 2007

As a very recent (hmm...one week?) grad from a direct-entry program, I was a little worried about finding a job when I finished - mostly due to being a new grad in general, as opposed to being a direct-entry new grad. As an NP, I knew I'd be looking for positions in smaller practices and clinics, places that don't necessarily have the same structures in place for orienting brand-new clinicians, the way, say, hospitals hiring new grad nurses do.

As such, it was a huge relief to find that there were plenty of practices out there happy to hire someone in my position. I certainly wasn't called to interview for every position I applied for - upon following up I learned that most just weren't looking for a new grad - but was lucky enough to be offered a job for every position I was called to interview for (int. med. practices, specialty practices, and community health centers). As such, I was able to turn down a few offers that weren't quite right for what I was looking for, and just accepted a really wonderful postition doing, pretty much, exactly what I was hoping to do as an NP.

In general, I didn't face much concern about the fact that I came from a direct-entry program...but most interviewers did seem pleased with the fact that I'd worked as a nurse on a med/surg floor while I was completing the NP curriculum, so for people considering this sort of a program, I would definitely advise working throughout the program as an RN - not only does it help immeasurably with developing your skills, but it also definitely makes you more hireable once you graduate.

Other grads from my program were hired right away by hospitals and clinics (depending on their specialty), with several being hired by their preceptors' practices. Of course, there are still plenty of people still looking for the right position, but my impression has been that it can just be tough getting interviews as a new grad at all, combined with the fact that most of my classmates are holding out for that "perfect" job.

That's just my experience though - I'd love to hear from other DE grads as well!

weebs21 · Jun 5, 2007

Hi there, would you mind sharing with us where (college/state) you received your BSN-MSN degree? I have been reading that getting a job as an NP right out of DE has a lot to do with supply and demand in each city/state.

I am hoping to go to school in DC, MD, or NY and am specifically wondering what the job market is like in those states after graduation from DE program.

Thanks!

weebs21 · Jun 5, 2007

Also, what are peoples thoughts on the type of school you get your BSN/MSN from in terms of job placement or chance of loan forgiveness? Are you more likely to get better/more frequent job offers if you graduate from a program like Columbia/Hopkins? Or is it just the same if you go to a less expensive state school route? I have a friend who graduate from Georgetown and she felt that the recruitment opportunites were much better at a "bigger name" school and that it was worth the money. But just the same I always here an NP, is an NP is an NP. And then you factor in alll the years it will take to pay off loans from a private school. I cant seem to come to any clear conclusion and would appreciate feedback from others. thanks again!

NHavenRN · Jun 5, 2007

You know, I can't really speak to what the market's like for someone from a school with a different "rep" as mine, since I haven't had that experience. I did go to a school with a recognizable name, and felt like there was a response to that name when I was in the room with various interviewers, but I can't say that I wouldn't have had as just as many offers - given all other things being equal - if I'd gone to a different school. I was looking to work in MA, so that's where my job search experience was - can't speak much to other areas unfortunately!

Mae16 · Jun 7, 2007

Any others able to share? I'm considering applying to direct entry programs and hearing from new grads would be really helpful.

Thanks!

mvanz9999, RN · Jun 8, 2007

I'm sure there are plenty, but apparently they do not post on allnurses.:roll

RosalindRN · Jun 8, 2007

Flame me if you want, dont care.

But I have a really big problem with people who are getting a skip pass straight into Advanced Practice just because you went to school for it. I went to school to get my RN and yes I had clinicals while in school, but I didnt really fine tune my skills until I hit the floor. You see things over and over again and you just get a nurses intuition about things after you have done it a while. I dont trust residents as much as I would trust an attending to handle my care because they havent put in the time to know to trust what they are doing. And I love having FNPs as my GP but now I will have to question what the FNP knows versus what I know. You may have a piece of paper telling you that you know it, but I have the hours of on job experience to back up what I say. Sorry, This is just bogus to me. Quit being lazy and go for the real thing...dont be afraid of a little work!

Trauma Columnist · Jun 8, 2007

Rosalind - you might find this thread more on the subject you are discussing:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/becoming-np-little-no-nursing-experience-193372.html

Trauma Columnist · Jun 8, 2007

This was my concern too - what jobs are these folks getting? Since that is the ultimate goal (employment), it would be nice to hear what is happening. I'm beginning to think that there are few grads simply because these are new programs. I know when I have advised people considering this path, I always tell them to contact grads of the program to see what job opportunities are out there.

So...maybe no replies is because its too new to have grads???