FNP online? and questions about becoming NP

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Hi, I am a recent BSN grad. I had my heart set on being a CRNA, but I just applied for a family nurse NP program. With Obamacare, many places in my state (Ohio) are making massive RN cuts. I really want to pursue my higher education, I just hope I am making a good decision to do this now.

Does anyone here know how the role of family NP will change in the next few years? Is this a sound career decision? I want to make sure that Ill actually be able to help people in a different way. Im afraid for the future of nurses.

Can anyone add their 2 cents regarding the FNP program itself (experience) and how you believe the role will be in 3 years when I graduate? Thank you

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Likely conpletely oversaturated. Even now there are NPs unable to find jobs. So many of the people going into nursing all going on to be NPs and there are many less NP jobs than RN jobs - do the math. JUST LIKE nursing, programs will talk about an NP shortage thay doesnt exist to get your tuition money.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

To answer your question about the future, no one really knows how obamacare is going to affect APNs except in general terms.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Yes, there is a saturation of recent grad RNs, however there are still plenty of facilities that are begging for experienced RNs to come work for them. My wife and I get contacted at least once a week from nearby facilities offering (begging) me to come work for them, sign on bonuses, etc. I think many just lookup all of the RNs on the state BON site and do a mass mailing. My wife just took a new prn position, 70+ applicants, 2 were qualified! Both got hired!

If you have a RN job, I would suggest sticking with it for a year or two and you will find that you will be in demand. If you have your heart set on being a CRNA, become a CRNA. If you want to be a FNP, or whatever else you choose to be, do that. But, don't try to find the path of least resistance and end up being disappointed because it's not you.

Personally, I would much rather be a FNP than a CRNA. My wife would rather be a ER RN than an APRN of any kind. It takes all kinds, I love her to death and am glad there are ER RNs like her that love the job, love being good at it. The best gift you can give yourself is a job/career that makes you want to go to work in the morning.

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^ you just proved it yourself. Yes lots of jobs for experienced rns but not new grads. It's the same for NP - hard to get that first job.

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Honestly, the roles of a FNP and CRNA are very, very different. If your heart is set on CRNA then I don't see how being a FNP would satisfy your career goals.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

To the OP, I am in the same boat as you here in Ohio and going to school at Otterbein for FNP. I have wondered many times if going on for the FNP is for nought, or if this will actually prove to be beneficial in 3-4 years when all is said and done. I have discussed this over and over with my wife, parents, fellow nurses and NPs. No one knows what the future holds, but I just pray that the education I am pursuing is not in vain. I have heard so many stories about what the future may be, and although many felt that Obamacare would be a huge benefit (not myself, however) to all, we have yet to see it's impact on healthcare, education, etc.

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While we can't be sure what will happen over the next few years in healthcare, we do know that more Americans will become insured. We also know that NPs provide lower cost medical care than MD's (we are cheaper to educate and make less money). So, I think there will be more opportunities for nurse practitioners, especially those working in primary care, in the coming years.

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