Graduated from a Direct Entry Program?

celle507 · Feb 24, 2006

Hi lovingpecola,

I went to school for a direct entry Master's program (actually I finished the pre-licensure phase last July, passed the NCLEX, and am taking this year off to work full-time as a nurse so haven't graduated yet) and I think I understand your question. I had the same reservations while I was going through my program whether someone would hire me as an accelerated student.

From my experience in my program, the clinicals were fast and we didn't get enough experience doing a lot of task-oriented things like inserting IV's, inserting foleys, etc. BUT, I had absolutely no problem finding a job after passing the NCLEX and I think I am doing okay and haven't received any complaints yet. I worked in a clinic for the last 4 months and just started work in a hospital and just completed my first month out of three months of orientation. It's hard though, and I didn't get enough experience with IV's, foleys, colostomy's, etc. in school so I feel stupid at times but the nurses are understanding, esp. since I look young and am new.

I would *definitely* recommend, to all direct entry applicants, that they find a program which grants a BSN as well. My program did not grant a BSN (only a Master's degree) which I think makes it hard to explain your position if you want to find a job after the first year. I had to keep telling people, "well, I have a previous BA and an RN license, but no Associates or Bachelor's in Nursing" and everyone always looks confused.

Also, if you want to quit after the first year, you are tied down to the program if it doesn't grant a BSN and you HAVE to complete it or else go through a LOT of trouble trying to transfer credits. I found out later on that I could not get my RN license in some states if I did not "graduate" from an accredited nursing school so even though I passed the NCLEX, I wasn't eligible to be a nurse in certain states so I couldn't move around the country. I DID NOT feel prepared to go through the NP portion of the program before working as an RN (esp since the RN portion was so quick). I actually went full-time in the fall semester doing NP clinicals and just decided I was doing a disservice to me and to my future patients if I went straight through (that's just me though; many of my classmates went on).

If you have any questions about jobs, etc., PM me. I will be glad to answer any questions you have since I definitely went through them at some time!

lovingpecola · Feb 24, 2006

I pm'd you, but I just wanted to say:

Thank you so, so much for sharing your personal experiences! It is so great to hear about this from someone who has done it or is in the middle of doing it!

LP

Nemhain · Feb 25, 2006

I find the last post to be a little offensive. I did not pose my very simple question in order to debate people's personal opinions about the value of DE programs, or whether or not one has ever worked with a DE NP before. I was simply asking new NPs to tell what their first jobs were and whether they liked them. Therefore, I withdraw my question and will go back to an area of the forum where DE students are welcome.

I think Suzanne4 was just trying to shed some realism on the situation.

To answer your the question you posted, I can tell you about my friend, Kara, who graduated from a DE NP program. No, she didn't like her first or second job, because it was bedside nursing, which she had to do because as a DE NP (like all the other DE NP) she didn't have any experience as a nurse to get the NP positions. She got experience and now she works in an ED as a NP and loves it.

tes85 · Mar 2, 2006

What is a Direct Entry Program?

cesiumgirl · Apr 2, 2006

How many years would adequate experience as an RN be?

cesiumgirl · Apr 2, 2006

A direct entry program is a program that lets you obtain your RN while getting a masters. This program is geared for people who have a BS/BA in another discipline

romie · Apr 3, 2006

Based on the responses of this thread, it seems that the best Direct Entry programs are those that either grant you a BSN or allow you to work between the RN portion and MSN portion. I think I saw a few schools that didn't let you take anytime off between-but UIC definitely anticipates that most students will complete their NP portion part time while working.

lovingpecola · Apr 3, 2006

If you really want to take a sisgnificant amount of time off to work, you should probably also consider a solo accelerated BSN program. And then just apply to a Master's program when you're ready. This would significantly open up your schooling opportunities.