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Discussion

Grad-entry NP or RN first?

Hello everyone. I need some advice. I have been accepted into a grad-entry program for FNP and also an accelerated RN program. The FNP program is three years, the RN program is a year.

I already have a BA and this will be a career change for me. The RN program is faster (1 year) and 1/3 of the price. I have heard rumors that hospitals can help pay for masters programs. Some pay full tuition. My goal is to be an NP in the future. I've been told that the RN experience will help me become a better NP, but I am torn about this decision. Should I get my RN first and re-apply for a traditional masters program (with the hopes of the hospital paying) or should I spend 3 years getting the FNP and skip the RN? Help!

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    • Expert

    I would get the RN first. Getting the background experience as a working RN is so incredibly valuable. I know that there are programs that grant FNPs to students who are not RNs, but you will certainly be behind the 8-ball when it comes to knowing how to properly assess your patient. How can you be a good nurse practitioner if you've never been a nurse before? I know PA programs at least require a certain number of direct patient care hours before you can be accepted in to their programs. While you will have courses in pharmacology and pathophysiology in your NP program, having already had the background from your RN will go a long way in understanding the material.

    You can also work as an RN (gaining more experience) while completing your FNP.

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    The sooner you start practicing as a FNP, the sooner you will gain the most directly relevant experience. It's good to have RN experience, but at the end of the day, FNP operates on a different level. If you spend 2 years working as RN, you lose that 2 years of experience working as a FNP. Perhaps in the beginning you might feel unprepared, but frankly there have been so many direct-entry grads who went straight into NP roles, and most of them seem to do just fine or they would work under supervision for a couple of years before they go off on their own.

    Applying to grad school again is a pain too. Also, there's no telling how well (or poor) you'll do in the BSN program. If I were you I would go straight to the FNP program. Good luck.

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    If you've already been accepted to the FNP program, I'd go that route.

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    I looked into both options (also a career changer with a BA) and went with the RN first option. I am still in school, but so far I feel that I made the right choice. I did not have any healthcare experience before starting the nursing program, and I am so glad that I took the lower risk (shorter program, lower cost) option. I had several moments in my first clinicals where I thought, "holy crap what have I done??" I am sticking with nursing but it was a culture shock! I would hate to be going through that while in an NP program. This way I can work as an RN and make an informed decision about whether or not to continue on for the NP, and what I would specialize in. I've also heard from several current NP's that the experience as an RN is very valuable, both in terms of knowledge and respect from coworkers. Just my two cents! Good luck.

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    I have the mindset that getting your RN first will help develop your skills and critical thinking abilities. This will help you in the future to be a better provider and keep your patient's happier. I really wanted to go right from RN to NP without getting experience- I'm SO glad I decided against this. I would've never been an effective provider without my few years of RN experience.

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    • Guides

    I graduated from a Direct Entry NP program, and have no regrets about going this route. My program was very rigorous and I have never worked harder at anything in my life. I use very little of what I learned in the RN portion of my program. You're going to have to get your RN as part of the DE program; you have to decide whether you can or want to work as a RN during the NP portion. I graduated as a competent novice NP and have been practicing successfully for over 7 years. If you choose to go this route make sure your school is reputable and helps you find preceptors. Run from any for profit schools that accept everyone and then leave you hanging when it comes to clinical placements. Be prepared to go over and above the minimum standards in grades and number of clinical hours. Also, know that many will disparage your decision and say that you can't be a good NP without RN experience. Interestingly, most of the nay sayers will be other nurses, many of whom are not NPs. I found that most prospective employers didn't care about my lack of RN experience, but were more interested in NP experience. I think RN experience is certainly valuable, but you can be a successful NP without it. That's my experience anyway.

    Best of luck whatever you decide.

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    I agree with BCgradnurse.

    I'm an RN, out of school since May 2015. My best friend graduated with me and she went straight into FNP. She works as an RN part time while she goes to school full time and shes gaining the same experience as I am and not wasting any time working towards her end goal. As for me I don't know exactly what my end goal is as of yet, so it would not behoove me to jump into something like that but for her it was perfect. I suggest going for the FNP and once you get licensed as an RN (usually at end of first year) you can start working too.

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    The only benefit is that it may help you secure clinical placements. I have seen advertising for clinical placements even though the local program swears they provide all clinical placements for students.

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    The sooner you start practicing as a FNP, the sooner you will gain the most directly relevant experience. It's good to have RN experience, but at the end of the day, FNP operates on a different level. If you spend 2 years working as RN, you lose that 2 years of experience working as a FNP. Perhaps in the beginning you might feel unprepared, but frankly there have been so many direct-entry grads who went straight into NP roles, and most of them seem to do just fine or they would work under supervision for a couple of years before they go off on their own.

    Applying to grad school again is a pain too. Also, there's no telling how well (or poor) you'll do in the BSN program. If I were you I would go straight to the FNP program. Good luck.

    "Perhaps in the beginning you will feel unprepared..."

    This is scary. Please first slide CV under the door and wait until you start to feel prepared to see ME.

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    • Author

    Hi everyone! Thank you all for your help. In the end I decided to get the RN first. The grad entry FNP program did not award a BSN in its 3-year program... so it makes sense to get the RN and work while getting the NP. And possibly get the NP paid for (voila!). Thank you so much for your help! The RN program is already off to a crazy fast pace, it's going to be a wild ride. :)

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