Direct Entry NP - work as RN during MSN

[correr82]

Hey Guys! I do not intend to replicate any questions that have already been asked so please feel free to link me to other forums if my question has already been answered...

I just finished up my accelerated BSN at a direct entry BSN/MSN program. This was my second career and I cannot wait to be an FNP! That said, I strongly value the RN experience and am hoping to work as an RN during the NP portion. I am hesitant to take time off all-together because I would feel that I am straying from my ultimate career goals. I like the idea of working as an RN because when I finish the NP I would have a solid 2 years of RN experience under my belt. I have been offered nights, 3 12s at a hospital and been promised to have the night before my classes off. The orientation schedule works out perfectly with my schooling. One other note is that I do not have kids.

I know many people say they drop down to part time work when the clinical course load gets heavy but as a new grad, Im not sure I can ask for much more than Ive already been given until Ive been there at least one year. :) As for going part-time to school, my program has us enrolled at half-time (usually 6-8 credits for the entire program). Within the first year the most clinical hours I would do in one semester is 120. In the second year it gets heavy with clinicals at 360/semester (at which point I *think* I would have been at my job long enough to cut back). I also learned that part-time at my school is taking entire semesters off rather than taking fewer credit hours because of when classes are offered.

Im wondering, is it truly feasible to work full time and go to school? I am a motivated worker and OK with the idea of not having the strongest social life for a temporary period of time. I do expect it to be hard, but is it truly impossible/miserable?

* Please note, I posted a separate thread on this because as a NEW nurse, I didn't think I would have the flexibility that those who had been working as RNs for years have at their jobs. I am interested in hearing any and all personal experience regarding working and FNP school!

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

We have a lot of RNs that work full-time during NP school. Although they usually negotiate to work weekends and do clinicals during the week. However, I wouldn't assume that your job will be very flexible despite what they promise and try to get on the good side of other nurses so you can trade.

Also, I don't think it's direct entry NP. Usually when people say direct entry NPs it is the program that does not require the person to have an RN license before the degree.

[Jules A, MSN]

Love your attitude and strategy. It is definitely possibly to work full time during NP school! I did it during my psychNP and FNP and feel the years of additional practice as a RN definitely helped with my assessment skills and knowledge of medications/responses. Good luck.