going straight into becoming an NP after BSN?

rachelpearcerp · Jun 7, 2016

That's what I did - I'm 27 and have my doctorate as an FNP DNP. it didn't hurt me at all to go straight through - I worked full time during all but 9 months of my program And got plenty of experience. Plus, nursing experience doesn't necessarily help all that much as an FNP - It doesnt hurt but it's not the same job. I was the youngest in my class with the least amount of nursing experience but above average when it came to clinical judgement compared to my peers - so nursing experience also doesn't equate to better grades in grad school!

Go for it

Scrubs_n_sirens, MSN, RN · Jun 7, 2016

I'm a little off put by your statement, "I can get into any NP program I want because I'm an honors student." That cockiness is dangerous in a new nurse. A better way to approach that is "I believe my grades are high enough for me to be competitive." But until you know, you don't know. Unless you've actively been accepted, I wouldn't hang your hat on that. I've had many classmates who've had 3.8-4.0s not get in because programs recommend 2+ years of experience plus recommendations. And even if experience isn't required, if someone comes along with comparable grades to you but with experience versus your inexperience-- you can be turned down because they will be the stronger candidate.

Honestly, you do yourself and your future patients disservice by not putting your floor time in. If you wanted the role of a provider without putting in the time as a nurse, PA would've been the better route. The thing that makes CRNPs so special is that they were nurses first. They seen, heard, and felt things. They've experienced it. Obviously there are exceptions to this but you really should work as a nurse first. Nursing isn't just "do what your told", it is a science and an art and you cannot embrace it until you experience it. You should understand this before you go into a position where you are the one writing orders.

Bumex, DNP, NP · Jun 9, 2016

Get some experience first, that's where I learned a good 95% of what I would call my knowledge base

Code Caffeine · Apr 23, 2017

I'm a little off put by your statement, "I can get into any NP program I want because I'm an honors student." That cockiness is dangerous in a new nurse. A better way to approach that is "I believe my grades are high enough for me to be competitive." But until you know, you don't know. Unless you've actively been accepted, I wouldn't hang your hat on that. I've had many classmates who've had 3.8-4.0s not get in because programs recommend 2+ years of experience plus recommendations. And even if experience isn't required, if someone comes along with comparable grades to you but with experience versus your inexperience-- you can be turned down because they will be the stronger candidate.
Honestly, you do yourself and your future patients disservice by not putting your floor time in. If you wanted the role of a provider without putting in the time as a nurse, PA would've been the better route. The thing that makes CRNPs so special is that they were nurses first. They seen, heard, and felt things. They've experienced it. Obviously there are exceptions to this but you really should work as a nurse first. Nursing isn't just "do what your told", it is a science and an art and you cannot embrace it until you experience it. You should understand this before you go into a position where you are the one writing orders.

I agree that experience may be better, but I think what the OP was saying is that she is already eligible t her current school to be accepted into any track they offer. It sounds like she may have already been given some guidance from the faculty. I don't think it was cocky, I think she was confirming that she has an opportunity right in front of her, and she is trying to decide if she should apply or work first. It's not an uncommon question.

mackey_ny · Jul 14, 2018

hey Congats, I have a question which school did you attend for NP, i need some info how to get in to NP I have a BSN degree.

bryanleo9 · Jul 18, 2018

I am shocked most NP programs don't require at least 3 years on RN experience. They should require more experience imo.

allnurses Guide · Jul 18, 2018

I am shocked most NP programs don't require at least 3 years on RN experience. They should require more experience imo.

Based on?

umbdude, MSN, APRN · Jul 18, 2018

I am shocked most NP programs don't require at least 3 years on RN experience. They should require more experience imo.

How did you come up with that "3 years" number?

bryanleo9 · Jul 18, 2018

3 years is based on training new grad RN's. Many if which are going straight into NP school without a grasp on their RN position and role. We often talk about the low standards NP schools have in admitting most applicants. I believe requiring a minimum of 3 years RN experience would help build NP's with a better foundation. Of course the jobs will be different as NP's have the added responsibility of differential diagnosis and prescribing.....but the core RN experience is priceless.

allnurses Guide · Jul 19, 2018

3 years is based on training new grad RN's. Many if which are going straight into NP school without a grasp on their RN position and role. We often talk about the low standards NP schools have in admitting most applicants. I believe requiring a minimum of 3 years RN experience would help build NP's with a better foundation. Of course the jobs will be different as NP's have the added responsibility of differential diagnosis and prescribing.....but the core RN experience is priceless.

Where does the 3 year number come from? Do you have a 3 year new graduate program or do you precept new graduates for three years? Or are you saying you feel it takes 3 years to become and expert nurse? Or do you feel it took you 3 years to be a competent RN?

How does requiring 3 years of nursing experience fix low quality NP programs admitting low quality students? It could be argued that requiring 3 years might reduce the quality of applicants.

There is, in my opinion, a pervasive and false belief there is a linear relationship between RN and APN: new grad RN -> novice RN -> expert RN -> new grad APN -> novice APN -> expert APN. Both APN and RN have independent paths to expertise. How is the core RN experience priceless? Is all RN experience as equally priceless for all APN roles?

systole0615 · Jul 23, 2018

Agree with Scrubs_n_sirens 100%. Maybe you didn't intend to come off as arrogant, but you did. If you think you can get into any NP program you want, then go to one that requires the GRE, a letter of intent, and one year of experience. I personally think all NP schools should require at least two years of full time experience before admissions. I had five years of acute care/ICU experience before applying to NP school, and I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I sat for the GRE because I wanted to be in a competitive school with an excellent curriculum. Challenge yourself. I know many people who applied to the same school I did with a 3.8 GPA and did not get into the program because they look at the individual as a whole. Cockiness doesn't look well on potential candidates.

In the ICU I have learned to tune into minute changes in patient condition and can tell you what is probably happening, what labs and imaging I would need to order, and what medications I would need to give to correct the problem. I work at a teaching hospital and I have to advocate for my patients when my residents don't know what they're doing yet. You can learn basic nursing skills all day, but until you can put the clinical picture together, you will struggle. Not saying you won't succeed in NP school, but you will struggle compared to those with experience.

The short of it all is no, it is not smart to go right into NP school with no experience.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 23, 2018

Note: Some posts removed.

Please stay on topic and not debate the individual poster thus making the debate personal.