GI Bill and NP Program

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Specializes in ICU, Military.

Hey all - I'm an active duty Navy RN (BSN) with 12 years ICU experience. I will be separating from the Navy in 2 years. I am seeking advice for an NP program that will allow me to get a WELL PAYING job, but honestly don't know which direction to go. I've always mainly done bedside (some admin here and there with the Navy), but reading over these forums it seems there are so many different areas for NPs its a little overwhelming knowing which way to go. Geri/Adult/Peds/Family/Acute Care/Women's Health/Psych/Midwife..... and it seems to go on and on and on.... lol

From the research I've done, I really like the flexibility of FNP (seeing patients of all ages), but generally I prefer the acute care setting. Are there some dual programs out there that don't require a ridiculous amount of extra schooling for their dual-ness? I really appreciate the advice as I'm really just starting to look for a school as I prepare to separate from the military and there just seems to be so much.

A little background: I'm a guy, no wife or kids (hence why i need a well paying field, I support myself) so location/moving around is not an issue. Also since I'm using the GI Bill cost will not be a concern either. Brick-and-mortar schools or Online is fine. I will be based in North Carolina once out of the Navy.

**NOT interested in CRNA.

TL;DR - Need advice on which NP program to pursue that will allow me to get a well-paying job once licensed.

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What's well paying to you? Many NP jobs pay just as well as RN who works a bit of OT. If you desire acute care the ACNP cert is the best specialty, there are a few dual programs but it will be a longer program either way you look at it.

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Specializes in ICU, Military.

To continue my current lifestyle i'd probably need to be making 80K at least. From what I read on the forums here that doesn't seem to be too unreasonable. And I do not desire to work OT. I'm leaning more towards FNP now, office hours does sound awfully nice...

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Specializes in Emergency, Internal Medicine, Sports Med.

Hi there,

I am/was an ER nurse who went back for BSN-DNP, specializing in Family practice. I understand the anxiety around choosing a specialty, especially coming from an acute area of practice (and from what I'm gathering, likely wanting to stay there?) I should also mention I am a spouse of active duty navy x 15 years, and am using the GI bill myself.

I chose FNP because it's the most marketable, I can treat across the lifespan. In my program, there are at least 50-75% of the FNP program are ER/ICU nurses, who chose FNP for the same reasons as I did. If we want to pursue a post-grad certificate in acute care, it'll be short and sweet and I can work virtually anywhere.

I say:

If you are undecided which clinical area you want to work in: FNP

If you are 100% certain you never want to treat kids, and you mentioned you want to stay in an acute setting- take ACNP

If you're 100% certain you don't want to treat kids, but aren't sure of your desired area of clinical practice: FNP (as opposed to AGNP)

ACNP really ties you to a hospital or outpatient center. For myself, I was tired of working all hours of the day/night and was looking forward to getting on "normal" hours (or at least daylight hours). I would also consider where you want to live. Larger cities require more site-specific quals whereas the more rural towns flex a bit more (FNP's often work as hospitalists, for example).

I am now 8 months away from finishing with my DNP- I write my AANP exam next month. Considering you're a single guy without dependents, get your DNP. It doesn't matter all that much in terms of clinical practice, but as more and more DNP's enter circulation you're quals will be somewhat lesser then others (if only on paper). If you don't want to get the DNP, then I'd go after PA instead of NP. Shorter, you'd likely stay in acute if you wanted to, less liability as no independent practice, etc. Lastly- go to a brick and mortar school, not online. I did, and I am very glad I chose this way. Some people elect for online for cost or convenience, but if you can afford the brick and mortar (thank you GI Bill, and thank YOU sir for your service) then do it.

Happy studying!

PS- 80K a year is way, way low even for a new grad NP. Average is at least 90-100 for starters. I purposefully omitted CRNA info, as I know you said no to that one- those guys make 120-150K.

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Specializes in ICU, Military.

Vanillanut

Thank you for the advice! As I continue my research into a program FNP is looking more and more like the route I will take. Getting an acute care Post-Masters certificate sounds like an excellent way to get into that field if I truly want to stay in the hospital. Honestly I agree with your statement about being tired of working all hours and getting on a "normal" schedule. I have looked at some DNP programs, I'm a little torn on what to do as far as getting to work sooner. With an MSN program I'd be eligible to sit for licensure sooner and start work, since I'm single I got to make money haha. And yes I'm ever grateful for the GI Bill its an amazing benefit to know I can complete my masters, almost anywhere for little to zero debt!

Right now I'm desperately trying to find a college who will let me take a few graduate courses online as a non-degree seeking student while I remain on active duty. I know there are schools out there, I'm planning to foot the bill for these classes until i get out and can use my full GI Bill benefit.

And thanks for the salary info :) Makes me feel much better!

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I just want to elaborate a little on the salary thing...I think that really depends on where you are because where I am we have NPs starting in the mid 60s.....and 80k is reaching being new.

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