Direct entry NP programs

allnurses Guide · Dec 27, 2013

Thanks anyway but I suppose I'll go lurk the NP threads to see if anyone gets these concerns. [/quote']
Obviously I don't "get it".
Wait. I was a premed undergrad, applied to medical school, interviewed, had a family, changed my path, became an NP, and have years of practice experience.

DadStudentPerhaps · Dec 27, 2013

My wife, (47 yo), just completed her BSN. She's been a RN for 28 years. She plans to pursue her Masters Degree now, with a NP as her end goal. Different States have different rules on the level of autonomy NPs have. I do know more and more doctor's offices are utilizing NPs and some NPs have opened their own practice.

My brother owns a string of Pharmacies. He has built new Pharmacy buildings to accommodate a NP Practice. This boosts his business because patients visiting the NP normally get their prescriptions filled at his Pharmacy. He also collects rent from the NP. He has made this same offer to my wife, so we will wait and see if she wants to do that when the time comes.

I'm still finishing up my pre-Reqs for Nursing School... but if she does open her own practice, I may consider working for her. Meanwhile, I've got a good job now, but I've been there for 26 years and know I will retire someday.... so Nursing will be my 2nd career.

v111 · Dec 28, 2013

You are on the right track. I was headed for MD but couldn't do it due to family obligations. I earned my BS in Medical Laboratory Science and now after ten years in the field see how much better nurses are treated and applied to and was accepted to an accelerated BSN program. Afterwards I have plans to earn my masters NP and Doctorates. Go for NP.

anichka · Dec 28, 2013

I am also a career changer, although I have far less experience in the healthcare field than you do. I thought I wanted to become a PA for a while, but I didn't start putting the wheels in motion to go back to school until the last few years (husband getting out of the Army and being settled helped with that).

In any case, the more I learned about NPs, the more appealing that route became - especially living in WA state.

There's a lot of good info on this forum about the questions you're asking, so just search if you aren't getting the answers you are looking for in this thread. It seems like there can be a lot of negatively towards the DE programs, but there IS info here about it that will help you.

This was a good thread discussing NP versus PA, https://allnurses.com/nurse-practitioners-np/nurse-practioner-vs-890880.html#post7636644 - and there's a lot of wisdom there about things to consider.

If you have not have not looked at it yet, the website MidlevelU is a wealth of info about these sorts of programs too. Good luck with your decision!

allnurses Guide · Dec 29, 2013

I'm a direct entry grad, with a similar background to the OP. I switched my career in my 40s. I had considered medical school, but it didn't make sense financially for me, especially with my kids nearing college age. I've been in practice for a bit less than 5 years. I'm very happy with my decision. The program I chose was an RN-MSN program. I don't have a BSN, and it didn't seem to make a difference. I'm an FNP, and I've worked in outpatient settings. I worked in Primary Care for 3 years and now I work in a specialty practice, in addition to working per diem in Urgent Care. I love what I do, my schedule is great, and I'm pretty well compensated. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.