Has anyone in a MEPN or similarly-named program had a hard time finding a job?

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I'm just curious as to what the reception of newly minted NP's or CNS's is (those without any real experience as an RN). Difficult to find a job? Very easy?

There may be a thread on this already, I couldn't find one. Also, not sure if I am posting in the right place . . . . But any feedback from any direct-entry MSN programs would be appreciated. :)

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Hi iridium:

This doesn't exactly respond to your question, but maybe sheds some light??? I am attending the BS to MSN Pathway program at CSU Dominguez Hills. I'm a nurse case manager working in an office setting for an insurance company doing distance case management in behavioral health. I love my job and have been doing it for 6+ years. Prior to that I was a clinical hospital nurse in ICU/tele. My role option was CNS. My adviser told me that I was not making a wise choice. She said that as a CNS I would be expected to be an expert clinically in the practice setting, and since my practice skills are now outdated, I would be at a disadvantage. She encouraged me to change my role option to nurse administrator. I did, but I'm not happy about it. I just want to finish the MSN, then I'm going to move on for a program that is indicative of my current specialization (psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in combination with a DNP program). It looks like this is really elongating my education more than necessary, but I'm halfway through the MSN now, so I want to finish. BTW: my BS is in business, not nursing, but I've been a practicing RN since 1994.

Trina

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It is my understanding in researching several direct entry programs, that you do not reach the NP level without having some experience as an RN. For example, at Western U, your first 16 months is dedicated to taking initial nursing courses and preparing to take the NCLEX. After that, you work as an RN while you're finishing the MSN portion and preparing to take the NP licensing exam. By the time you graduate with the MSN and have the NP license, you have almost three years of experience working as an RN.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
It is my understanding in researching several direct entry programs, that you do not reach the NP level without having some experience as an RN. For example, at Western U, your first 16 months is dedicated to taking initial nursing courses and preparing to take the NCLEX. After that, you work as an RN while you're finishing the MSN portion and preparing to take the NP licensing exam. By the time you graduate with the MSN and have the NP license, you have almost three years of experience working as an RN.

*** This sounds like a workable model on paper. However I wonder what nurse manager wants to hire a new grad nurses who they know for sure will be leaving to be an NP right at the point where the nurse has really become clinicaly skilled and an asset to the unit, the 3 year mark?

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I too am wondering this question as I am applying to MEPN programs this fall. I know there were additional threads on the topic elsewhere and have actually started some heated debates. As a someone pursuing this program I think it is a great idea and recognize that they still prepare you for the role. However, speaking with RN's who have "paid their dues," they could think completely different. I would actually get in contact with admissions for different schools and ask them what eprcentage of the graduating class were able to find jobs within 3 months of graduation and so on.

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Hey Trina,I will be applying for Fall 2014 for CSUDH pathway program. My workshop is soon. I have a few questions. Do you have any idea how many people applied for the Pathway program. How is the fee - per unit or per semester. Approximately how much did you pay: per semester if it was a full load. Is there a limit of the number of units I can take per semester. My major is Health Science and I have ADRN. I will not be working if accepted so I can finish it faster. How faster can I finish FNP.

Sorry I tried to find answers online but was not able.

Thank you very much . My email is [email protected]

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It is my understanding in researching several direct entry programs, that you do not reach the NP level without having some experience as an RN. For example, at Western U, your first 16 months is dedicated to taking initial nursing courses and preparing to take the NCLEX. After that, you work as an RN while you're finishing the MSN portion and preparing to take the NP licensing exam. By the time you graduate with the MSN and have the NP license, you have almost three years of experience working as an RN.

This is not necessarily true. At the program I attended (as a traditional, experienced-RN student, but in classes with direct-entry students), the direct entry students did not get licensed (were not eligible for licensure) until they had completed the first year of the two-year specialty portion of the MSN (the second year of their three-year program), and none of the direct entry students I knew worked as RNs (or even looked for RN jobs) during the final year, because the program was so rigorous and demanding. They all graduated with no RN experience whatsoever (and were clear throughout the program that they had no interest in, or intention of, ever working as generalist RNs).

After we had all graduated in May, I attended the wedding of a classmate the following October which was, predictably, a class reunion of sorts. To my surprise, I was the only one of the group who was employed -- the direct entry students were all still looking for jobs. This was a long time ago, however, and just one anecdote, although I'm sure my school is not the only one that operates this way. They did all eventually find employment (in advanced practice roles).

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Hey Trina,I will be applying for Fall 2014 for CSUDH pathway program. My workshop is soon. I have a few questions. Do you have any idea how many people applied for the Pathway program. How is the fee - per unit or per semester. Approximately how much did you pay: per semester if it was a full load. Is there a limit of the number of units I can take per semester. My major is Health Science and I have ADRN. I will not be working if accepted so I can finish it faster. How faster can I finish FNP.

Sorry I tried to find answers online but was not able.

Thank you very much . My email is [email protected]

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It depends greatly on where you intend to practice and which specialty you're pursuing. The best way to find out would be to contact the advisors at programs you are interested in or get in touch with recent graduates to learn about their experiences. Most schools should be able to put you in touch with someone. Unless you talk directly to a student/graduate, I'd take everything with a grain of salt (since they're trying to sell you on their program).

It's hard to get answers here because everyone has their own bias. Some people love direct-entry NPs and some people don't. You just have to decide if you can live with that once you are in practice! If it bothers you, do an accelerated BSN and work for a few years before getting your masters.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I know there are MEPN graduates working as staff RN's in the hospital where I work and have been doing so for years. Those who desire to work as NP's do transition to a nurse practitioner position eventually but there are surprisingly a number of them who seem to be satisfied with the staff RN role.

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