I don't get why you have to become a RN first ?

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I don't quite get why you have to be a regular RN first, before you can actually have the title of a NP. Perhaps I have misread the information online though. How many years do you have to be a RN before you can actually become a NP? I understand that being a RN first will give you experience, but shouldn't this be learned during MSN school?

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

because a nurse practitioner is a advanced practice registered nurse

i don't quite get why you have to be a regular rn first, before you can actually have the title of a np. perhaps i have misread the information online though. how many years do you have to be a rn before you can actually become a np? i understand that being a rn first will give you experience, but shouldn't this be learned during msn school?
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Specializes in Cath Lab/ ICU.
I understand that being a RN first will give you experience, but shouldn't this be learned during MSN school?

You don't 'learn' experience in nursing school. You 'gain' experience through experience.

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There are plenty of direct-entry MSN nurse practitioner programs for individuals who are not nurses but have a BA/BS in another subject -- but you become an RN in the course of those programs, as well. The title is "nurse practitioner" for a reason -- every NP is (also) a Registered Nurse, and required to have a valid, current RN license in order to be eligible for licensure as an NP.

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^Thank you for the replies!

I realize that a NP is an advanced RN, but my question had more to do with when will you be able to actually perform the NP "duties" (like prescribing). I am understanding that first you have to be a "regular" RN, and then after a couple of years(?) you can advance on, even though you have the MSN degree.

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Specializes in Emergency, Internal Medicine, Sports Med.

You do not gain experience in MSN school. You gain experience by working, period. I graduated last May with my BSN and I've been working in a major hospitals ER since, and I learn something new *every day*- and this is with a very good undergrad with a ton of clinical hours.

When you graduate your "rolodex" is not completely blank, but largely based on textbook knowledge. As you continue to practice I find my "rolodex" is filling in, bit by bit, by patient presentations. Experience is absolutely irreplaceable in the world of nursing.... no amount of school or credentials can compare.

Even if you did go and get your BSN then NP straight away, you will still be competing with BSN-level RN new grads, because that is where your clinical level of competency is.

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Specializes in General.

i am suspecting this person is a troll check all the previous posts

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i am suspecting this person is a troll check all the previous posts

LOL Nice to know that I have a stalker. ;)

Thanks Vanillanut for the reply!

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Specializes in General.

oh no not a stalker just after a while you pick up on peoples post they really just do not seem to be consistent in the post just curious but if want to be a np go for it good luck

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oh no not a stalker just after a while you pick up on peoples post they really just do not seem to be consistent in the post just curious but if want to be a np go for it good luck

Oh, it's fine. I am just a very confused person right now, and keep reading so many different things posted on sites.

I know that a NP is an advanced nurse, but I thought that they were two separate jobs. Maybe I should have worded the question differently, but I guess I am just too confused.

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Specializes in L & D; Postpartum.

You can start working as an NP right out of school without ever having worked as an RN. I have a friend, who went to school several years ago....got her RN then proceeded to continue in the NP program. Graduated from that and her first job was as an NP in a clinic. She has no staff nurse experience to speak of, and didn't want to do that kind of work. Many NP's do no bedside nursing care, although in today's market, being able to do it might be advantageous.

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Specializes in General.
Oh, it's fine. I am just a very confused person right now, and keep reading so many different things posted on sites.

I know that a NP is an advanced nurse, but I thought that they were two separate jobs. Maybe I should have worded the question differently, but I guess I am just too confused.

there is no confusion an RN is a registered nurse a NP is a advanced practice nurse with a masters, yes they are two different jobs but they tend to meld to=gether when teaching comes in to play, ad anp can prescribe a rn can not

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