You've been asked this before but.......

[Beth1977]

I originally started out in college as a nursing major. My parents convinced me to switch so I did. Now I am going to be applying to a couple entry level Nurse Practioner programs in my area.

Everytime I tell people I am going back to school they ask me why I am not going to PA school instead. Now I have heard that PAs make more money than NPs but that NPs have more autonomy. Can anyone tell me the real differences between their roles, education, and paycheck. I have checked out the entrance requirements for these programs and it appears that people entering PA programs need between 2000-3000 hours of direct patient care. However entry level NP/Clinical Case Manager programs only require a Anatomy, Physiology, Stats, Microbiology, and Nutrition (some schools require a couple more, others a couple less).

Could someone please shed some light on this issue for me???

[wsiab]

Looking at your original post, it appears to me that one of the programs you may be considering would be Samuel Merritt's ELMS program. I recently graduated from their BSN program. One thing to be aware of is that an entry level masters degree in nursing is not an advanced practice degree. Yes you come out of the program with a masters in nursing/ case management, however, this does not qualify you for to be a NP. Half way through the program you are able to sit for NCLEX RN. The program is designed for students that want to become RNs and already have Bachelor's degrees in other areas. If you want to become a NP and start with an entry level masters program, you will still have to go into an advanced practice NP or PA program afterwards. I think this also may be the difference between prerequisites that you may be encountering, entry level programs require only the same prerequisites as your basic RN program. NP/PA programs are advanced practice programs.

I do know that Samuel Merritt does have an NP program that does not have a lot of practice requirements, because some of my classmates are going directly into it next fall, youm ay be able to do the ELMs program and go directly into an NP program....It might be a good idea to schedule an appointment with Anne Seed, she is very friendly, she can go over the programs with you and help you figure out what classes you may need to take before entering the program (it's what she does).

[MQ Edna]

Hi Beth:

I applaud you for calling a spade a spade. We as nurses, must stick together!!! Divided we are conquered, together we will survive, strive, and have a fruitful quality of life. Let us rally to nurture and imbrace one another and enjoy, encourage one another, and learn from each others mistakes and triumphs.

Now... for the matter of NP... I too am considering this decision. Personally, I am just now (finally) graduating from the University with my BSN. I am completing a RN to BSN program. After 9 years of almost straight schooling, I felt I simply wanted to take a year off or so to regroup and saver my latest triumph and figure out what graduate program I want to choose. I am seriously considering the NP program. I too want to test the market and fiugure out... does that real job appeal to me?

It sounds like you already have your BSN and the grade requirements for the NP masters program. I know ther requirements change from state to state. You have probably already checked with your local university to discuss program differences. I know that the role of NP varies from state to state on autonomy and precriptive authority. Her in New Mexico we do have prescriptive authority and require that you work in the field of your choice as an RN for two years.

Having been a working RN myself for 3 years, I am more confused then ever as to what I want to pursue for a graduate degree. It is an exciting time to be a nurse in todays market. Here and elsewhere the nursing shortage has allowed me to try and pursue interesting areas of nursing. I encourage you to dable and BE BRAVE, continue keeping abreast of the latest technology in your field of work, and continue to embrace your fellow workers (love them for who they are and pray for them to strengthen to become who they are not).

In peace,

Bonnie