How much RN experience to become an NP?

[dreamcatcher17, BSN]

Hi allnurses,

So I'm looking at two different types of programs, accelerated BSN across New England and an accelerated MSN. The latter is offered at Yale. During the first year, you become an RN and then the second two years you work but study for Masters. For me, that's the NP route. 3 years of school all at once and DONE but I'm worried about having enough clinical competence, gaining the respect of fellow nurses, and just not messing up on diagnoses or other NP duties.

I guess my question is... how much experience do you recommend as an RN prior to working as an NP? I will attend any program to which I am accepted, but the idea of finishing school in 3 years is really appealing. All thoughts are welcome; I'm very new to this arena and appreciate any advice y'all have

[elkpark]

Are you sure that the Yale students work as RNs during the second two years of the program? It's been a long time since I was there and things may have changed, but, when I was there (as a traditional, experienced-RN student, not a GEPN student), the GEPN students weren't even eligible for RN licensure until the end of their second year, and none of the GEPN students I knew were working (working at all, let alone working as RNs). Only a few of the experienced-RN students were working (including me), and only part-time/PRN. The program is extremely rigorous and demanding.

[SaintlyJ]

Hi Elkpark - current Yale, second semester student here. I can count about 7 full-time GEPN students off the top of my head that are currently working as RNs at either YNHH, Yale Health or private offices, and there are probably even more if I asked around. Most GEPNs get licensed as RNs around the end of the summer after their first GEPN year, and those that pursued jobs as RNs usually got hired in the middle of the second (of three) year. Usually part-time/PRN as well, but the option does exist as I don't know of one GEPN who didn't land an RN job that wanted one.

As far as how much experience is needed to become an effective NP will vary depending on who you ask. I can say that Yale GEPNs with or without RN experience are not really having a hard time finding job interviews right now (barring ones that ABSOLUTELY have to work a specific specialty in a new grad saturated area such as Boston).

[elkpark]

Hi Elkpark - current Yale, second semester student here. I can count about 7 full-time GEPN students off the top of my head that are currently working as RNs at either YNHH, Yale Health or private offices, and there are probably even more if I asked around. Most GEPNs get licensed as RNs around the end of the summer after their first GEPN year, and those that pursued jobs as RNs usually got hired in the middle of the second (of three) year. Usually part-time/PRN as well, but the option does exist as I don't know of one GEPN who didn't land an RN job that wanted one.

Thanks for the update.