Family Nurse Practioner-yes or no?

Nurses General Nursing

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So I have my BSN and have been working in an ER for almost 3 years. I'm ready for something different. I am looking into NP school and have been looking at Columbus State University since the program is all online; however, I can't get anyone to respond to my emails regarding questions on the program.

So My questions are

1.) Do employers take into consideration that you don't get your masters from a "big name" university? Columbus has all the accreditations required; but I hate to pay for a masters and not be able to get hired.

2.) Has anyone completed/not completed this program and have any thoughts/recommendations/advice? Thanks in advance!

3.) Do you LIKE being an NP and do you feel like the money/time/extra effort was worth it?

cleback

1,381 Posts

I would be hesitant to apply to any online school that doesn't respond to emails.

friendlylark

151 Posts

Specializes in Nursing.

Hello KT Bug, I have the same question about, "Do you LIKE being an NP and do you feel like the money/time/extra effort was worth it?"

I have applied to Chamberlain for the FNP program and I have been VERY impressed with their admissions process and their response time to my questions. Take a look at Chamberlain!

I am making a BIG decision between going to () for an MSN (non-FNP) or going to Chamberlain for the FNP program ...

Need to do some soul searching!

HappytobeARNP, MSN, APRN

1 Article; 31 Posts

I honestly don't think that the school that you attend really matters as long as they are accredited without any negative publicity. With that being said...any school that doesn't answer emails from a prospective student is concerning as most schools are very proactive in recruiting new students. What matters more than the school's name is how you sell yourself on your resume and in the interview after graduation. I know people that spent a lot of money to obtain a degree from a well known university and when compared to those from smaller universities their salaries and opportunities were about the same. I would look more into the school's graduation rate, certification rate, curriculum, cost, length, reputation, etc.

I really enjoy being an NP (hence my username). As a floor nurse it bothered me to not know what happened to my patients after they were discharged. I wanted to know if the treatment worked long term or if there were other options that were more beneficial. I wanted to research and recommend evidenced based treatment options but couldn't. As an NP I see my own patients, build a relationship with them, and I am able to provide a specific plan of care for my patients. I have more than doubled my salary as an RN and I don't work weekends or holidays. Keep in mind that this is is only my experience (YMMV) but it has been fulfilling and well worth it. Some RNs hate the idea of becoming an NP for various reasons and it all depends on what YOU want in a career.

Find out what really matters to you. Don't do it because everyone else is or because it's what you think you should be doing. It's still hard work and from what I've seen and heard the salary could be comparable to an RN salary in some areas. So do it because you want it and because you couldn't imagine yourself doing anything else.

Good luck and kudos to you for asking for advice!

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