Experience Dilemma for Entry MSN/FNP

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Specializes in ICU.

Hey Everyone,

I need some help, advice, and suggestions on how to gain experience to help me gain admissions to an entry level Masters of Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner program. A little back story...

I am an Army veteran, I hold a Bachelors in Business from a local college, and I have been working as a law enforcement officer for the past 6 years. Long story short, I have decided to switch to healthcare and evaluated the MD/DO, NP, and PA options.

I initially ruled out MD/DO and was looking at NP and PA. I continued my research of the two career paths and I thought PA was going to be the route I'd go, so I graduated from an EMT program and obtained my national and state licenses. I did EMT because EMT is trained in the medical model, much like PA programs, and PA programs required up to 2,000 hours of work experience in order to apply, so I wanted to get any early start on obtaining a certification.

Now, after a lot of additional research, shadowing, and speaking with those working in the field, I have decided NP is the best route for me and not PA. I made a premature decision for PA because I was in a rush to get experience.

I've done extensive research and have narrowed my options to three entry level MSN/FNP programs in my area. I've been taking prerequisite courses and plan to apply this coming fall. As I continue my research, talking to schools, as well as current and prospective students, I've come to a realization that these programs are highly competitive (admitting around 10% of applicants) and even though they don't require health care experience like PA did, I probably won't get in without it.

My dilemma now comes in how to gain experience. I'm working full time as a police officer still, while taking 15 college units. I had volunteered a year ago for about 2 months in an ER; however, I got busy with my undergraduate education at the time, so I had to resign. Volunteering again isn't an option because of my schedule, not to mention I didn't really get anything out of it.

I'm looking for a paid position that I can work and leave my police officer position. I know it's a huge pay cut and change but I have support in place. I could apply for an EMT ambulance spot, which would probably look better than nothing; however, all three programs have told me that EMT work is much different than nursing, even citing the nursing vs medical model. They told me EMT would be better than no experience; however, working in a clinical setting would be much more beneficial not only to gain experience, but also during the admissions process.

Since I'm taking so many units at school, I can't go back and get a CNA license and go that route. There are a handful of ER Tech or other Tech positions locally in hospitals that accept EMT training; however, they are so competitive, they usually look for 1-2 years of EMT ambulance experience before even considering you. I've applied numerous spots, and only got 1 phone call which didn't turn into an interview.

I'm stuck on what to do. I can either quit my job, take a huge pay cute, work as an EMT on an ambulance, apply this fall, and have a little experience. I can continue to work my police job, live reasonably, apply in the fall and hope they throw me a bone. Or...I don't know...anyone have any advice or suggestions? Thank you very much.

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As a CNA myself, I would be surprised that being a CNA would be more beneficial than being an EMT.

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I'm a little confused here...are a registered nurse already? You need to get an associates or a bachelor's degree in nursing+ RN license before you can apply to an FNP program.

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I'm a little confused here...are a registered nurse already? You need to get an associates or a bachelor's degree in nursing+ RN license before you can apply to an FNP program.

People don't have to already be nurses to apply to NP programs. There are plenty of "direct entry" MSN programs that take individuals with no nursing background or license but a BA/BS in another discipline, put them through a program that is basically a mash-up of an accelerated BSN and an MSN program, and they graduate prepared for advanced practice licensure. That's what the OP is talking about. These programs have been around for decades, and are v. popular.

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Specializes in ICU.

No, there are numerous programs that don't require an associates in nursing. There are accelerated BSN programs (ABSN) for those who hold bachelors degree in another field. These programs are usually 15-24 months full time, as in you go to school or clinicals 5-6 days a week. There are also entry level masters programs (ELMSN) that allow non nursing majors to obtain an MSN degree. Some of these programs also allow you to get your MSN as an FNP. These are 4 year programs. The first two years are full time 5-6 days a week. After those two years, some programs will issue a BSN, while others don't. Regardless if you get a BSN, at this point in all programs, you're allowed to take the NCLEX. The remaining 2 years can be completed either full time or part time; however, you're required to work as an RN to gain experience. At the end of the 4 years, you'll have worked for 2 as an RN and you'll graduate with an MSN in whichever field you chose. All of these programs are directed at career changers.

So I have a Bachelors of Science in Business and I'm changing careers. I'm applying for entry level MSN/FNP programs. These programs are highly competitive (about a 5% acceptance rate) so it helps to have prior healthcare experience to show you're serious about the field. The particular programs I'm applying to are 4 year programs, after 2 years you get a BSN/RN, after 4 years you get an MSN as a Family Nurse Practitioner which makes you eligible for NP licensing.

Some programs may vary from the info I posted but the programs in my area follow the same outline/format.

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I don't think work experience is necessary for a successful application. I'm about to start a direct-entry MSN/NP program, and I don't have any paid healthcare experience (though I do have a background in the general field of health). Also, I'm not sure that 6 months of EMT work immediately prior to your application would make you a stronger candidate.

If I were you, I would keep working in your current job and apply this fall. It's probably a good idea to hedge your bets by applying to some accelerated BSN programs, in addition to the direct-entry NP ones. Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU.

Thanks, I do plan on applying to some ABSN programs as well, although they appear more competitive because they are smaller class sizes and a lot of people that I've spoken to just want to enter nursing with a BSN and not get an MSN (no desire, cost factor, time, etc.), therefore they go for the ABSN. At least that's been my experience in Southern California. Nevertheless, I plan on applying to both, just trying to make myself as competitive as possible - thanks for the advice.

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