Getting Conflicting Counsel

[CuriousMe]

I'm a junior in a very good, nationally ranked, BS nursing program. My intention is to eventually be a FNP. After speaking with practitioners of different specialties (including FNP's) my plan was to work for at least three years as an RN before applying to a FNP program.

However, all the Prof's I've spoken with at my school (from the Dean on down to my Clinical Profs) are saying don't wait. Go directly into a program; that I can work as an RN as I'm in my NP program. They said that it used to be recommended that folks gain RN experience first, but that nursing is the only profession that doesn't encourage their students to continue their education straight after their bachelors. They're saying that the percentage of folks who wait and then end up not continuing is very high, and that the nursing shortage is higher as education level increases.

They explain that NP programs these days have a lot more clinical hours than many did in the past, and that I would get what I need to be prepared between working as an RN in school and completing my FNP program.

Guess, I'm looking for feedback...is this a new direction....or just the perspective of the Prof's at my school?

[Cardiology EP NP]

Hi Curious,

I would say it isn't necessary for you to work three full years before going to FNP school. After all, you will be working while you go to school right? So, I would say go ahead and apply and if you want to take 6 months off of school, that's ok too. But don't wait too long because it's very hard to go back. I waited a long time, too long, 6 years to go back to school for my masters and it was a big mistake. The older you get the harder it is. Don't wait to make your dreams come true...Go for it! Good luck and let us know how it goes!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

There are both pros and cons to this. I was a nurse for 10 years when I went back (and nursing was a second career for me - so I'm old). It wasn't horrible but it wasn't a piece of cake either.

[jjjoy, LPN]

The way most programs work these days, you don't *have* to take time out working as a full-time RN between BSN & MSN. And going straight through avoids the risk of starting to work, getting side-tracked by life, and never making it back to school. However, there are also convincning reasons to take the extra time. For one, in these tough times, it may not be easy to get a part-time RN position as a new grad to work at while starting the MSN program. And if you can get such a job, you still might prefer to be able to focus 100% on learning the ropes as an RN the first year or two instead of splitting your efforts between learning to function in an RN role and being in school for advanced practice. Finally, your own personal learning style and motivations make a difference as well. While some do just fine going straight through, others may feel a lot more confidence and focus if they've put in more time as a RN, which could add to the likelihood of their success a new advanced practice nurse. Some just want to practice as FNPs in primary care and others want to experience a wider spectrum of the nursing profession to be well-rounded. Basically, don't forget to factor in your own strengths and weaknesses and motivations as you consider your options.

[BChapp3182]

In this economy with the horrific rate of new grad anythings getting a job I would just go back to school now for your NP. Try to get a p/t RN job just to get your feet wet if you can. After the first year of NP school it gets much harder and many students don't work. I didn't have much RN experience before starting NP school and did very well, graduated without a hitch. Now finding a full time permanent job is another problem...