FNP whitout RN experience??

135pipe · Jan 30, 2019

Highly recommend floor experience I used to think like you, but trust me experience and patience will be reward fun in being an excellent and proficient NP.

chudo161 · Jan 30, 2019

13 hours ago, 135pipe said:
Highly recommend floor experience I used to think like you, but trust me experience and patience will be reward fun in being an excellent and proficient NP.

HI!

Thank you for the reply!

I know there is a lot of opinions on whether you should spend a year or two and get experience or go ahead and apply for NP right away.

I am still considering both options, I think it mostly depends on a person and prerogatives as well as background.

Thank you!

Ani Talla, MSN, RN · Feb 1, 2019

I'm sure there are programs that may not need experience. There are graduate entry NP programs out there (I graduated from one) and although it was rigorous (and for good reason), you get to the same end goal. Choose a program wisely and do not choose one that rely too much on RN experience to magically translate to advance practice... They need to train and prepare you to think like a provider, not a nurse. No, you do not need RN experience to be a great provider: There are amazing MDs, DOs, PAs, grad entry NPs who become amazing practitioners in their field and not a lick of RN experience. Some may have a greater edge from some sort of health care experience (EMT, scribe, RN, MA, etc), but everyone graduates and are expected to perform their jobs to the same expectation. I've precepted NP students and PA students and it's all about the individual and how well they program prepared them. Some NP students have had YEARS of experience and struggle translating what they've learned in class/lab to practice.. While some PA students who may have worked as a scribe knows exactly how a provider things and aces the medical management piece (Some of the best students and strongest practitioners). Just find a great program with amazing clinical experience. If not NP, what about PA? Or MD? or DO programs? like all advance practice programs, get ready to work really hard. Good luck!

chudo161 · Feb 1, 2019

3 hours ago, Ani Talla said:
I'm sure there are programs that may not need experience. There are graduate entry NP programs out there (I graduated from one) and although it was rigorous (and for good reason), you get to the same end goal. Choose a program wisely and do not choose one that rely too much on RN experience to magically translate to advance practice... They need to train and prepare you to think like a provider, not a nurse. No, you do not need RN experience to be a great provider: There are amazing MDs, DOs, PAs, grad entry NPs who become amazing practitioners in their field and not a lick of RN experience. Some may have a greater edge from some sort of health care experience (EMT, scribe, RN, MA, etc), but everyone graduates and are expected to perform their jobs to the same expectation. I've precepted NP students and PA students and it's all about the individual and how well they program prepared them. Some NP students have had YEARS of experience and struggle translating what they've learned in class/lab to practice.. While some PA students who may have worked as a scribe knows exactly how a provider things and aces the medical management piece (Some of the best students and strongest practitioners). Just find a great program with amazing clinical experience. If not NP, what about PA? Or MD? or DO programs? like all advance practice programs, get ready to work really hard. Good luck!

Thank you so much for your advise!

I absolutely agree! It is very individual!

Do u know any programs that are for students who already RNs but lack experience?

Thank you!

Happy818, BSN, MSN, APRN · Feb 3, 2019

I'm in the same boat. I just graduated, taking NCLEX in 2 weeks, and want to start an NP program right away.

St. Andrews University in Miami doesn't require exp and it can be completed in 18 months if you work through it full time. ECPI originally did not have a requirement but now they've changed their stance and want at least 3 months. I believe Herzing has a direct entry program as well.

My husband is helping me look into this while I study for NCLEX, if he finds more, I'll post.

What I find peculiar is when speaking to some programs, when I ask exactly what they mean by experience, they just want to see that you are employed as an RN. I'm an RD/CDE and work for some diabetes companies as a trainer. I could use that as my experience once my RN comes through. So for those saying that "experience as an RN" is important, the schools aren't specific on what that experience has to be.

Besides, after working in private practice for years as an RD, I see very little of the clinical/practicum experience obtained in my RN degree being applicable. I truly wish that I could have done my practicum in public health because that would prepare me more for an NP program than working in a hospital. Not to mention that the world of nursing is really focusing on prevention, and you really don't get that experience in a bedside position.

My rant is done ? Keep me informed if you find any programs as well.