How long should you be an RN before starting NP school?

Trauma Columnist · Jun 30, 2005

I think that is fine. I was an RN for 11 years and an LPN for 2 years before that when I decided to pursue a clinical nurse specialist. However, I wish that I had started earlier. Go for it!

GrnHonu99, RN · Jun 30, 2005

I think that is fine. I was an RN for 11 years and an LPN for 2 years before that when I decided to pursue a clinical nurse specialist. However, I wish that I had started earlier. Go for it!

I was wondering if you could tell me what the differences are between a CNS and an NP...what does a CNS do that an NP doesn't do or vice versa?

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Jul 1, 2005

I was wondering if you could tell me what the differences are between a CNS and an NP...what does a CNS do that an NP doesn't do or vice versa?

Depends on the state that you practice in. In my state, CNS's can have prescriptive authority as does an NP. The cirriculum of my MSN provides pharm, assessment, and one other that I can't remember that is the same as an NP. The NP generally works as an practioner under the physician. A CNS tends to be focused on education. So with my degree I can function as an NP in a CNS role, work with staff as a CNS, or teach in a college with a teaching certificate.

At least this is my program. Hope that helps. Did I miss anything anyone else?

Trauma Columnist · Jul 1, 2005

I live in IL where the AMA is headquartered and APN's are still pretty sporifice. I am doing the CNS (adult) because that is what is available to me at my hospital's college of nursing. CNS's have prescriptive power in IL very similar to NPs.

GrnHonu99, RN · Jul 1, 2005

I live in IL where the AMA is headquartered and APN's are still pretty sporifice. I am doing the CNS (adult) because that is what is available to me at my hospital's college of nursing. CNS's have prescriptive power in IL very similar to NPs.

my profs were telling me that in some states NP's or I guess CNS in your case, can actually have their own practice. Here in Ohio if you are an NP you must work with a physician. In your respective states is that true?

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2005

I have been a nurse for 11 yrs. Just started my FNP program in May.

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · Jul 1, 2005

I think it all depends on how comfortable you feel. I've known nurses who went right into their NP programs right out of BSN school and did very well; and I know nurses who went back 20 years after getting out of their basic program.

Personally for me, I am going back after being out of school eight years. I finally felt comfortable enough to do it now - plus I can survive on working less hours now that I have a husband to help out!

Just a note - check with the NP programs that appeal to you, because I know that some of them won't accept your application unless you've worked for a year as an RN.

rosendalemj · Jul 7, 2005

why wait at all?

Physicians don't have to wait. And start practice as new beginners.

1/2 the people I'm studying with in an accelerated program will immediately go on to obtain their masters. And begin practise will little previous experience. Whoever hires you would likely take that into account and "mentor" you?

H! I just graduated with my BSN last month and will soon be starting orientation for my RN position in a few weeks. My question is this: How long do you think someone should work as an RN before applying to NP school? I want to become an adult acute care NP someday and was thinking of starting NP school (part-time) after I work as an RN for 1-2 years. While I'm going to NP school part-time, I would still be working as an RN part-time as well. What do you all think?
-Christine

pie123 · Jul 13, 2005

why wait at all?
Physicians don't have to wait. And start practice as new beginners.
1/2 the people I'm studying with in an accelerated program will immediately go on to obtain their masters. And begin practise will little previous experience. Whoever hires you would likely take that into account and "mentor" you?

I agree. Although I only personally know 2 people who jumped right in. One of my former classmates, within a month-and-a-half of graduating, enrolled in our university's NP program. They have also done away with the GRE at this school. I noticed one other school has also done that. Is that common now--to not have to take the GRE?

suzanne4, RN · Jul 13, 2005

why wait at all?
Physicians don't have to wait. And start practice as new beginners.
1/2 the people I'm studying with in an accelerated program will immediately go on to obtain their masters. And begin practise will little previous experience. Whoever hires you would likely take that into account and "mentor" you?

Sorry, but they are going to have problems finding positions right off without having the experience behind them. I have seen it too many times throughout my career.............plus many times the focus that you want to go into will be different after working in the field for even a year. Ideas and wishes change all of the time. Much smarter to get at least a year of experience before beginning an NP program. Plus think of it, you do not get the work exeprience that you can get with a regular program during your off-time with a regualr program, but with an accelererated program, it is almost impossible due to your schedule. Nurses that have worked as a tech while in school will be much further ahead then a nurse directly out of school without the experience. And a preceptorship at the end of the accelerated program is still not the same.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 13, 2005

why wait at all?
Physicians don't have to wait. And start practice as new beginners.
1/2 the people I'm studying with in an accelerated program will immediately go on to obtain their masters. And begin practise will little previous experience. Whoever hires you would likely take that into account and "mentor" you?

Physicians go into a residency program for three to four years after graduating. An NP does not.