I am going crazy on making a decision!!

ChristineN, BSN, RN · May 31, 2011

I can't offer much advice but just wanted to say that as someone getting ready to start an FNP program, the programs I have talked to don't expect their candidates to have adult, women's health, and peds experience. They know most people getting an FNP will probably work with either adults or peds, not both. Therefore the RN experience seen coming into these programs is just as varied. Some of my FNP student friends have exclusively peds experience, while others have exclusively adult experience. I am the rare FNP student as I have both pediatric and adult med-surg experience. Good luck with whatever you decide, but I definitely feel like with your experience and GPA you could be a good FNP candidate. :)

NAURN · Jun 1, 2011

I have applied to Frontier for the fall. I am going to go for my FNP... and all the research I have done, you don't need extensive experience in any one area to do any of the NP options. Obviously if you were going to do the ACNP, you might want more of an ICU background. I think Adult NP is too narrow. FNP is nice because it is the most marketable. Midwife track (at Frontier at least) does not require any previous ob experience, just a year as an RN.

I also agree with your experience and GPA, you would be a top candidate in any school. Good thing about Frontier is with a GPA greater than 3.0, you are not required to take the GRE....so thats some money and stress saved.

I say go for what your dream is. If its midwife, go for it. Shop around and see what the job market is in your area and try to decide if you are willing to relocate for a job. FNP will be very marketable though.

Annaiya, NP · Jun 1, 2011

I can't offer much advice but just wanted to say that as someone getting ready to start an FNP program, the programs I have talked to don't expect their candidates to have adult, women's health, and peds experience. They know most people getting an FNP will probably work with either adults or peds, not both. Therefore the RN experience seen coming into these programs is just as varied. Some of my FNP student friends have exclusively peds experience, while others have exclusively adult experience. I am the rare FNP student as I have both pediatric and adult med-surg experience. Good luck with whatever you decide, but I definitely feel like with your experience and GPA you could be a good FNP candidate. :)

This might depend on the school. A coworker of mine who has solid adult experience, but still has mainly done peds was told by the school she is applying to that her lack of a more balanced work background would significantly decreases her chances of being accepted. With the schools having so many applicants, I guess they can be picky.

Melody007_FNP-C, APRN · Jun 1, 2011

thanks for all your responses! it can be daunting making a decision that can effect your career! i think i will look around my area at the midwife availability and make a decision based on that...but it is between fnp and cnm now! :idea:

zenman · Jun 1, 2011

At least you now have a 50% chance of making the correct decision.

WyndDrivenRain, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2011

thanks for all your responses! it can be daunting making a decision that can effect your career! i think i will look around my area at the midwife availability and make a decision based on that...but it is between fnp and cnm now!

i would suggest you also consider that if you don't see a significant number of jobs posted for cnms or not as many as fnp openings, don't decide it isn't the right path for you based only on that. consider there are not as many people competing for each cnm position so even if the openings seem to be fewer it may not matter. you might still have a great chance at finding a job and you'll be doing what you really want to do.

sue

Melody007_FNP-C, APRN · Jun 1, 2011

sue, i agree with you! i think that is why i never finished the application process for two schools...i completed the 1st part of the application process for fnp at uinversity of south alabama, and i also started the process to enroll at a local school (florida southern college) for anp. i had a good freind who passed away last nov at the age of 50, and he always wanted to be a md. he "settled" for being an anp (i said settled because he was not happy). i remember when he told me this and he said to go for your dreams! the only problem is that florida only has two-three cnm schools and they are all in north and south florida (i live in the middle!) i worry about getting preceptors for the online programs. it must be doable though as there are many frontier graduates! i am not afraid of doing an online prgram as i graduated from excelsior college with my asn & bsn. thanks for all the support from my fellow nurses!

NAURN · Jun 2, 2011

If you go for CNM, Frontier is "known" for their midwifery program so I would definitely consider them especially for that... although I have applied for the FNP program. Their CNM program is what they were originally based on, so its kinda like their thing. But I have heard their FNP and WHNP are equally as good.

ICURN099 · Sep 3, 2011

Question on the GPA for FRONTIER. I tried to get ahold of the school, but am unable to so thought I would post on here.

The site states that they take your GPA from your "most recent degree" ...so does this mean they will only calculate in my GPA from my Associates Degree In Nursing, and not do a cumulative of ALL post high school coursework?

The reason I ask, is I have above a 3.3 for my ADN and LPN coursework, but have a VERY LOW GPA for my post high school attempt to go to a state school and unfortunatly it pulls my cumulative below the required 2.7 (take GRE).

Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

NAURN · Sep 8, 2011

I think this is definitely a question for the school... but my understanding is its your cumulative GPA from all pre-req's and nursing courses.