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Discussion

DNP-FNP program full-time?

I am in the process of applying to an FNP program. I work full-time as a school nurse, a job where I get to make my own schedule. I choose when I am at a school and when I am at my office, and occasionally, I work at home. I also have a PRN job at a hospital, working 3 shifts per month inpatient so that I can pick up hours during the summer when I am not doing my school nurse job.

The program to which I am applying is primarily online, though there are 3-4 day intensives at the beginning of each semester, and it is primarily full-time, though they do allow part-time attendance. Because it is a DNP program, it is nearly three years (8 continuous semesters), so part-time would probably be closer to four years. I came to nursing later in life and four years is a huge chunk of time. However, my family needs me to work full-time.

Who has experience with a full-time FNP program? Is working full-time during the program feasible assuming that I could schedule clinical around work once clinical hours begin in the second year of the program? Or am I just being ridiculous?

To be clear, this is not an online program from a school that does competency based, fit in all the credits you can each semester style of learning. This program is at a large reputable university that has begun expanding into online programs to keep up with the times. It is fully accredited, both the university itself and the nursing department, so this is not a "gimme" sort of degree.

I appreciate all perspectives. Thank you!

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    So, you are going to school in a traditional brick and mortar program where you attend classes on campus?

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    Apparently, the comment I replied to was deleted or somehow got lost when the thread was moved. I'm unable to delete my comment and I didn't want people to wonder who in the world I was talking to.

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    Not FNP but full-time NNP. I'm still working full-time right now and its ok. Just busy studying on my days off. Only sometimes when a deadline falls on a work day will I do school work on work days. I'm going part-time next year, but I still plan on getting full-time hours most of the time. I'll just be able to be a bit more flexible. My school is a traditional brick and mortar, so I go to class weekly (one long day at school). I start my first set of clinicals next semester. They set up the preceptor, and I'll arrange the specific days and times. Hopefully, my preceptor's schedule works with mine

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    What was the deciding factor in going to part-time next year? I have a family and pets and all of that, so my plate is always full. I prefer full though. When I have too much time on my hands, I tend to get bored and just ignore everything. I need tight deadlines and to juggle stuff to be at my best.

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    The reason I'm going part-time is because it's not easy to get part-time at my job. I had to wait on a list, so I'm taking it now while they are offering it. . Currently, I'm doing ok with full-time hours. I can always pick up extra hours. But I want the flexibility to already be in place if/when I need it. If a week gets crazy (I don't anticipate it in the spring) with clinicals, tests, and papers due at the same time, I'll have the option of not working and spending more time on school.

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    • Author
    The reason I'm going part-time is because it's not easy to get part-time at my job. I had to wait on a list, so I'm taking it now while they are offering it. . Currently, I'm doing ok with full-time hours. I can always pick up extra hours. But I want the flexibility to already be in place if/when I need it. If a week gets crazy (I don't anticipate it in the spring) with clinicals, tests, and papers due at the same time, I'll have the option of not working and spending more time on school.

    That makes perfect sense. I misunderstood initially and thought you meant going to part-time with school. Good luck this spring! I'd love to hear how it goes for you.

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