Duke University's online FNP program, Fall 2014

guest464345 · Apr 10, 2014

....oh yeah, Sarly, and about the money thing: I've preached it on these boards many times about the ABSN program. In my opinion, if you need giant student loans for Duke (some of my classmates went in debt $60K or more for the BSN), I wouldn't shell out that kind of money. I'd pick a reasonably priced option for my ADN or BSN, and save the big bucks for grad school (or, get my employer to pay for grad school). I work alongside people who went to state universities and community colleges - in fact an ADN is my preceptor at my new job - and I can tell you they are fantastic nurses. No one really cares where your degree is from, and we all get paid the same amount.

On the other hand if you have savings or parents/spouse/patron saint to foot much of the Duke bill, plunge in :)

Another thing to keep in mind: the reality is that your best chance of getting a job after graduation will be in this area, and pay in this area is VERY low for hospital RN's. At Duke you start at $20.74/hour, and it takes a long time to go up from there. In my case, with a day shift and a spouse on my health insurance, my first check (full-time hours) was $800ish. If you work nights that helps (shift diff is $4.50), if you get the cheapest insurance it helps, but making $500-$800 loan payments will still be very difficult. And of course, the tuition reimbursement program is gone.

Sorry to be a downer...have just heard a lot of former classmates panicking as their loan payments start coming due in a couple months. And since starting work I've realized that most nurses here have some combination of a second job, roommates, or a spouse who earns more.

mursec · Jun 14, 2014

Hasn't been any activity on here in a while but if anyone would like to give me some advice I would appreciate it. I'm a new nurse just graduated in December with my BSN working on an oncology unit. My goal is to become a nurse practitioner at Duke so I have a few questions. How is the program? What gpa did you have to get in. Is it true they pay up to 90% of you going back to school ? Are you part time or full? After I have one year of nursing I want to apply to duke to work there as a nurse and hopefully start school Spring 16.

jules2msn · Jun 14, 2014

hi mursec, well just getting started in NP program, my GPA was 3.73, not sure what you mean 90%, if that is with Duke maybe, I am distance program fulltime, however there are programs out there that can fund your education for working in a rural area. Keep up with your goals, there are many programs out there for NP education, however going to Duke will set you apart from others. Good luck!

JayneBB · Jul 6, 2014

Hi Jules,

Congratz on being accepted by Duke! Do you mind sharing how rigorous the program is? I have an interview next week for the part time FNP program. I'm curious as to how much time I should set aside weekly to successfully complete the program. Of course, I realize it will be a little different per individual. Also, did you have to invest in a test proctoring service?

Thank you in advance Jules! Wish you the best in your program.

Jayne

Sdc-rn · Aug 19, 2014

sarly, I am doing both and I know many who did both before me.(duke absn/duke fnp) I worked for a long time before going back for my fnp. It is seriously expensive but a quality education. Many who work here qual for tuition reimbursement which doesn't cover all but helps. There are also scholarships available. New absn grads aren't guaranteed. I applied twice and I graduated with honors. Very competitive.