Encouragement please... FT NP and FT work. Is this THAT difficult?

[mrsannRN]

I totally get that pursuing a FT PMHNP program will be challenging and working FT (3-12hr shifts) on top of this is a lot. However, I have been accepted to a program and it's only offered FT. I also must work FT at least for now... sooooo I'm looking for some encouragement or feedback from those who have been there done that or are currently doing this. So far I've read tons of posts about how near to impossible this is and it's a little discouraging. I appreciate any feedback:-)

[diprifan]

I wish I could have worked less while I was in grad school. I think I would have been a better student. Also it's easier to learn concepts when you aren't stressed about the amount of time you need to complete your work/studying in. Some people don't have the opportunity to go part time while in grad school, but if you have the means, I'd recommend it.

[Jules A, MSN]

YES! I successfully worked full time through both my psych and FNP which is probably not a positive reflection on the rigor of our education. I used to envy those who had the luxury to focus on school but the truth is I continued gaining what I feel was valuable experience and made a bucket full of money while some of my peers were busy focusing.

[diprifan]

Yeah Jules I agree about the rigor of NP education. I worked full time and pulled a 4.0... I jumped through the hoops, just wish I could have spent more time solidifying things. It's definitely doable.

[wyosamRN]

I think working during school, if the setting is relevant, is in many cases a very good thing. Yes, the fact that you can work full time during an NP program can make one wonder if the program is rigorous enough. But if you're working in a position that allows you to think about patients in a new way, applying what you are learning, then it can become a way to increase learning of the role you'll be taking on. I'll be working FT in the ED throughout my AGACNP program. As I learn a more thorough and advanced assessment, I will put it into practice, and will use those skills a lot of times before I graduate- for more than I would if it was just the 700 and some odd hours of clinical time. I can also lean on the docs I work with to discuss cases and learn from them all through school. Now, for many this may be easier said than done. I'm very lucky to work at a very well staffed, moderate volume ED where there is a lot of time to use work as an extension of clinical time in this way. (I plan to travel for actual clinicals to see higher volume/higher acuity). I work with a fantastic group of docs, and it would be stupid to waste that time and not learn all I can from them.

[Oldmahubbard]

I hate to agree that the programs are nowhere near as rigorous as they need to be. When I did my program, much of the work involved was the 2 hour drive, one way, to attend a class. I know, the dark ages.

Sadly, there are a number of stupid fluff courses, and the patho won't be that much different from your BSN.

I do find it odd that the program is only full time. Much of it must be on-line, as well.

You don't say anything about your lifestyle, your energy level, how far you drive to work, any children, or a partner to pick up some of the slack at home.

If you are working in Psych, the experience is actually more valuable than any class, if you choose to make the workplace your "clinical".

I think it could be fine, as long as you realize that no program will prepare you to be a PMHNP.