Graduating from Entry Level MSN-FNP program in December. Considering RN residency?

[endodiabpnp]

Hello everyone! 

As the title says, I am graduating from my Entry Level MSN-FNP program this year. Because this program does not require RN experience prior to admission, we have gone through the RN schooling during the program and took the NCLEX before moving onto the MSN-FNP portion. 

With my lack of floor RN work and my worries about finding a job as an NP after graduation, I am considering applying to an new grad RN residency or a new grad RN role to hone in on my RN skills before really moving into the NP role. 

I want to preface this with the fact that my school has given us the opportunity for BOTH RN and FNP clinicals throughout the program. As of right now, I am doing 3 8hour days of FNP clinicals. I think that this is an advantage in the specific program I am in as I hear of many other entry level MSN programs not offering this much clinical hours which can lead to the negative reputations of these programs. 

I have a few concerns that hopefully someone can help me with:

• If I apply to a new grad RN residency or even a job, I am at a disadvantage with my MSN FNP degree but most places require RN work before coming in as an NP. I've also heard on the other side that some NPs from a program like mine are great because they are not stuck with an RN mindset but I also hear that we're not great NPs because we have not had the experience as an RN. As time goes on, I sometimes feel inadequate by the nursing society standards but feel that I can excel in this career. I am conflicted with the different stigmas that come along with this program I am graduating from. 
• If I work as an RN for a couple years before working as an NP, I may lose my NP skills. Has anyone experienced a loss of NP skills while working as an RN before going into the NP role? 

Any sort of advice is appreciated in advance. Thank you. 

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

Not trying to be rude but what "NP skills" are you worried about losing? You lack a formal RN experience base to build on so what you've learned in this program is essentially "it" so to speak. Hopefully, it will be adequate.

Have you considered applying for a NP residency instead?

I'm torn between the two choices in all honesty. I think that the path you've chosen will be difficult regardless of your decision.  Best of luck in making this difficult decision.