FNP

[nursingfornurses]

Can you be a FNP with only psych nursing experience? I haven't worked on a medical floor. My plan was to do FNP and then get a post masters in psych. Has anyone done this path before?

[bruins79]

A girl I work with is a psych nurse doing a FNP program.. another friend of mine did an accelerated bachelors program with direct entry into an fnp program and is now an fnp without any work experience. So yes, I believe so

[nursingfornurses]

Do you know if your friend had a difficult time in the FNP program trying to learn since she only has psych nursing experience?

[bruins79]

No not a difficult time because of only psych experience, I think overall it's a heavy workload which makes it difficult

[Murse Ah]

This is interesting, I have the same thoughts nursingfornurses.

[Murse Ah]

I think of it as if someone was in pediatrics and went to FNP school instead of PNP school. Either way, we can use psychiatric nursing experience or any experience will be useful. Psychiatric patients typically will have chronic health problems along with their mental illness. Also, psychology is everywhere!

[nursingfornurses]

Thanks for your responses! :)

[nursingfornurses]

I think of it as if someone was in pediatrics and went to FNP school instead of PNP school. Either way, we can use psychiatric nursing experience or any experience will be useful. Psychiatric patients typically will have chronic health problems along with their mental illness. Also, psychology is everywhere!

Well pediatrics is a medical floor, psych isn't a medical floor so that's why I'm wondering if you can still be an FNP with no medical floor experience and only psych experience.

[Jules A, MSN]

A girl I work with is a psych nurse doing a FNP program.. another friend of mine did an accelerated bachelors program with direct entry into an fnp program and is now an fnp without any work experience. So yes, I believe so

Yes but are they any good? Not trying to be snarky just wondering. There are plenty of NPs and Docs who did it but aren't worth a hoot, imo. For me its not just about being able to do it but being competent and successful. Look I could theoretically still wear a bikini in my 50s cause I'm still the same size as I was decades ago but is it really the most sound strategy? Just saying.

OP, I would recommend getting a job in the ED or at a doctors office now as a RN depending on which area you will want to practice as a NP. My nursing experience was invaluable because my FNP program and PsychNP program, both respected schools, were woefully lacking if you didn't have a strong background in the specialty.

[Murse Ah]

Good point, and I still think it all varies. I know a PNP who did ICU pediatrics and he explained how a lot of that was not used in the clinic setting anyway. I think nursing experience helps you build critical thinking skills. But it depends where you want to practice - acute care FNP or primary care. And any experience is better than none.

[PG2018]

You can do it. They'll teach you what you nee to know. I'm a psych NP and never worked psych.

Ok, well, I did work psych for two months, but it was while I was graduating and waiting on my CNP credentials from the state.

[elkpark]

Considering that there are a kazillion "direct-entry" FNP programs that take people with previous degrees and no nursing/healthcare experience at all and turn them into competent practitioners, it appears that TPTB have decided that previous nursing experience isn't necessary.