Direct entry MSN/DNP-choosing a speciality

[skp2424]

Hello! I am currently applying to various Direct entry programs with the end goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. The programs require choosing a specialty and I can currently see myself choosing a couple different routes - Women's Health NP and adult gerontology acute care NP. I would love to hear anyone's experience with the direct entry programs and those who are WHNP/ACNP. How difficult was it to find a job with either degrees? How marketable are the specialities?

I have a passion for women's health but I am also fascinated with surgery (specifically orthopedic and reconstructive/plastic surgery) and an definitely see myself working in either field, however, I do not want to choose a speciality that may make it difficult to find a job.

Any and all thoughts/opinions are greatly appreciated!!

[elkpark]

IMO, if you don't know, know, what specialty you want, you're not ready for school yet. Any of these programs will be a huge commitment of money and effort. I've known several people who went into nursing via a direct entry program, or went to graduate school right out of nursing school, and only figured out after they had finished their program and started working that they don't like doing what the program prepared them to do. Then, they're stuck with a graduate degree and career path they don't want, the loans to pay for it, and they're trying to figure out what they need to do to get started on a career they do want, and how to pay for it. Graduate programs in nursing pretty much lock you into a particular role and career path. It's important to get it right the first time.

Welcome to allnurses! Best wishes for your journey! :balloons:

[llg, PhD, RN]

I totally agree with elkpark on this one. The sorts of programs can be great for people with experience in other health care roles ... but if you have zero experience in any of the possible areas, you will have no way of knowing whether or not you will actually like the field you choose until after you have made a huge investment. I, too, have known several people who deeply regretted their investment in graduate-level education in specialties they had no experience with -- stuck with huge education loans for a degree that qualifies them for a job they no longer want.

I recommend one of the following:

1. Choose a program that will give you some experience in many different fields of nursing before your have to make a final decision about your specialty. Pay attention to how you feel about each specialty as you experience it so that you can choose wisely.

2. Delay school a bit to get some experience in the various fields you are considering. Maybe you can do some volunteer work in the various possible environments where you would work ... or you could get some interaction with the populations you would be working with, etc.

3. Slow down your academic program and go to a BSN program (maybe accelerated for 2nd career students)

If you are simply "jumping in cold" into a graduate-level program with no experience to help you choose your career path, you are taking a big gamble. A little caution now could save you a lot of money and heartache later.

If you decide to ignore my advice ...

1. How much experience do you have working with sick old people? If you don't have much ... at least volunteer to work with the elderly to make sure you enjoy that population before you decide to specialize in gerontology.

2. And realize that neither specialty you mention will have much related to surgery. If surgery is what you want to work with, neither specialty you mentioned will get you there. That makes me worry that you might not fully understand these roles you are considering and need some time and experience before deciding.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Agree with both voices of reason above. If you don't know what you want, then maybe a direct entry program is not for you.

Caveat: I am not a fan of such programs for many reasons. This is just one of them.