Sep 11, 20169 yr Opinions on how long one should work as a psych RN before pursuing PMHNP? Or on a medical floor before FNP for that matter? Thanks! More Like This Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist Advanced Pathophysiology & Advanced Pharmacology - CRNA/SRNA Applications 15 Replies Active 03/02/2026 09:31 PM
Sep 13, 20169 yr Expert Personally ... I think at least a year of successful nursing in a field related to the topic of your graduate work. A year of struggling and/or failing is not good enough. 2 or 3 years is better.Research shows that it takes approximately 1 year post graduation for a nurse to become competent. Some people might get there a little quicker and some may take a little longer. But I think everyone should reach the competent stage before they go to grad school.
Sep 13, 20169 yr I completed a BSN to DNP program. We had several new graduate BSNs that began in our cohort without experience. They worked through out the 4 years though and graduated on time. Full time the first couple years and part time the last 2 when it became too much. In the end do what works for you.
Sep 13, 20169 yr Author Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm thinking way into the future, as usual. I won't even begin working towards my ADN until August, but I know I want to ultimately get an advanced degree. I'm in my early thirities so I was wondering how long it should take me to complete my formal education. *** Never Stop Learning and Growing*** :)
Sep 18, 20169 yr Personally ... I think at least a year of successful nursing in a field related to the topic of your graduate work. A year of struggling and/or failing is not good enough. 2 or 3 years is better.Research shows that it takes approximately 1 year post graduation for a nurse to become competent. Some people might get there a little quicker and some may take a little longer. But I think everyone should reach the competent stage before they go to grad school.Oh, boy!!!
Opinions on how long one should work as a psych RN before pursuing PMHNP? Or on a medical floor before FNP for that matter? Thanks!