Graduate Entry MSN + PMHNP

[mitojohndria]

For some context, I am a 4th-year neuroscience major at a large state school. I am graduating this fall semester (3.5 years total) with my BS. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have changed paths many times, but I have always been interested in mental health.

My degree program is essentially a medical student mill, so I started on a pre-med path. I did well in that track, but it felt like it wasn't meant for me. I took some time to explore. Eventually, I took interest in the social work and clinical psychology aspects of mental health through some internship and employment experiences I had. (I have worked in community mental health for almost two years now).

Honestly, I was unfamiliar with the nurse practitioner role until this Summer. My mother has bipolar disorder and was in the midst of a severe manic episode with psychotic symptoms. We were able to get her in to see a PMHNP quickly—she hadn't seen a psychiatrist in years. After accompanying her to a few appointments with her provider, I started to really admire him. My degree is really focused on neurobiology and psychopharmacology, so it seemed like a much better use of my knowledge than becoming a psychotherapist. I also love that some MSN programs would allow me to specialize in psychiatric/mental health from the start, unlike an MD, DO, or PA school.

I've done some research into Graduate Entry MSN programs that could prepare me for PMHNP licensure. The university I attend is one of the best programs, and I would love to complete my master's here—if they would take me. I have all pre-requisite courses completed, and I would hope to apply in the autumn 2022 cycle. I'm taking a gap year to get some more experience (CNA) and go to therapy (undergrad doesn't leave much room for grieving).

My main concern is that I have no professional nursing experience at this point. I have read on some forums that "Graduate Entry" graduates are highly unprepared for the demands of working as an NP. I get that these programs are tailored for non-nurses, yet I am skeptical. I would hate to harm a patient because I was swindled into a degree program that was too good to be true. Also, I understand that psych meds are complicated and that most of the learning comes after school. Most of my feelings might be chalked up to imposter syndrome. In some ways, I am an aspiring nurse imposter, though.

TL;Dr: To any students/graduates of Graduate Entry MSN + APRN track programs, how do you feel your program has prepared you for working as an APRN? To any practicing/retired APRN's, how do you feel about non-nurses jumping right into these programs without substantial experience? (Context: students usually work to pass the NCLEX-RN in the first year then specialize in the last two years). I appreciate any advice or comments!