How to be a successful NP/NP Student

[Lulu Belle, RN, EMT-B]

I knew the ins and outs of how to be successful in my BSN program and how to land an RN job before I even started nursing school. I already knew what organizations I needed to join, the externship I wanted to apply for during my junior year, what senior practicum site I wanted, how to network, and where I wanted to work when I graduated.

However, I decided to apply to some FNP programs in the fall just to see what would happen, and I got in, but I feel like I'm going in blind. I know going straight to NP school is frowned upon, but I will have 5-6 years of RN experience by the time I graduate.

Beyond showing up and getting good grades, what are the steps a good FNP student needs to take to bridge the education gap we all know exists and actually land a job?

I am really interested in endocrinology, and I would love to work at an endocrinology practice. Do you recommend working in that setting as an RN, or should I work in an ED (I already have an offer in one) to see patients across the lifespan? What do I need to do beyond just my precepted hours?

Thanks for your help, and feel free to tell me "you're being stupid, get some experience first!" I'm kind of on the fence about whether this is the right move.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Moved to Student NP forum

[Dodongo, APRN, NP]

2 hours ago, Lulu Belle said:

However, I decided to apply to some FNP programs in the fall just to see what would happen, and I got in...

I mean, it would be helpful if you actually wanted to do it. But the more important thing is you take it seriously and put your nose to the grind stone. Read, learn. Do as much as you can, not the minimum required. I am a proponent of working as a RN. The NP role is based on that foundation after all. But it really does help you decide what you like.

[SarahRNs]

same question here. im going for bsn (and gonna start a job in a few weeks) to fnp

im hearing positive and neagtives

i already made my decision to go, just looking for advice/how to become succesful from someone who went from bsn to fnp

[ThePsychWhisperer, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

I would advise against it, but only because of the risk of role ambiguity since you're trying to simultaneously learn two very different roles: that of the staff RN and of the advanced practice provider.

[ethaner63]

If you want to do it and you're capable of it then I say go for it. It's stigmatized some but no one knows your foundations but you. I'm a direct entry PMHNP student which is somewhat frowned upon by some people who put in time as a nurse first. That being said, I have neuroscience undergraduate education and lots of experience in psych.

Don't be afraid to take a non-traditional path if you can manage it and you're confident in your background.

[staphylococci, NP]

Gain some good, solid experience as an RN in the ED, ICU or med/surg floor before moving on to FNP. Take care of the sickest, most complex patients whenever you can and obtain specialty certification in the area in which you work.

I attended a brick-and-mortar state school that required a certain number of community service hours in order to graduate. I did way more than the minimum and carefully chose the types of volunteering activities I wanted to do. This seemed to really impress prospective employers and gave me a lot to talk about during interviews.

[Lulu Belle, RN, EMT-B]

My gut is telling me it would be wise to gain some experience first. I think I will enroll in a graduate level biostats course (which I need for the program) and hold off on the NP courses for now. Thank you all for your input.

[Cococure]

The role of a NP is different from that of a RN. I would suggest you learn your RN role first because there is a steep learning curve when you are a floor nurse. After you are confident and know what you want then go for it, ER/ICU/med-surg are good areas. If you are very confident in your skill set them go for it, only you can know what you are capable of doing. Personally I am glad I waited because I was 1000% sure I wanted to work in womens health/CNM ...now I am studying to be a FNP and don’t want to be a midwife by any means.

[KEib]

Any student NP's have good apps for studying?

[MSNMPHPhdNMD]

work and gain nursing experience. Learn, build relationships. NP school, be ready to study juggle your RN job and studies and develop a study plan.