I got into the FNP program!

FNPdude74 · May 23, 2009

By the way, the reason I wanted to become an NP is because I want to learn more, have more autonomy as a nurse, do physicals etc., treat health conditions, and other things that NPs do. I worked for a FNP as a health assistant at a community college and she would teach me some things about what FNPs do. I want to work in the hospital as well, as an NP. I've heard FNPs get little less pay than bedside RNs such as in Hawaii but money is not a total driving factor for me becoming an FNP.

Spacklehead, MSN, NP · May 24, 2009

Aside from giving you guys a short history and my future plans, I've heard that typically, BSN programs were much more difficult than MSN-FNP programs. MSN-FNP programs had more projects and papers and less "intense studying and multiple choice tests" like BSN programs, is this true?

I don't know about other programs, but my program did utilize multiple-choice exams quite frequently, since they help prepare for the certification exam. We also had exams that would consist of a case presentation where we would have to come up with what type of H&P we would do, what diagnostic tests/labs we would order, a list of differentials, and what treatment plan (non-pharmacological/pharmacological) we would carry out. I typically had at least a minimum of three exams per course (usually multiple-choice format, a case-study format, or a combo of both).

In addition to the exams above, each clinical course typically consisted of an average of six 5-10+ page papers based on case studies/SOAP notes with critiques. Each course also required an oral presentation on an interesting case we had during clinical. Even pharm and patho required a few papers/presentations, in addition to MC exams.

I'll have to admit, I definitely wrote a heck of a lot more papers in my MSN program, but the papers actually did really help me to get a better grasp of the course material since they were case studies. So, course load-wise, I feel that my MSN program definitely consisted of a lot more work/reading than my BSN program; however, since I was a nurse for over 8 years when I first started the program, I did have a good knowledge base on a lot of the material presented in my courses, so I was easily able to expand on it, as opposed to having to learn something entirely new and unfamiliar to me as in my BSN classes.

I'll be completely honest, if I went into my particular MSN program right after my BSN program without gaining some experience in the field first I, personally, would have felt very intimidated and would have thought the course work was much more difficult. This might not be the case for other new grads so please take what I say with a grain of salt. However, either way I still think my MSN program was a lot more intense than my BSN program, but it seemed easier because of my years of experience.

Best wishes to you as you embark on your journey to become an NP! :)

FNPdude74 · May 24, 2009

Hey thanks for the reply. :up: I know that it may be more difficult for a new BSN grad to do the MSN FNP program than an RN who had previous experience. I am working to be prepared for the difficulties and demands of the FNP program. I've heard there are many papers such as the six 5-10 page papers. And yes, I think there are quite a few multiple choice question exams in each semester to prepare for the certification exam.

I remember when I would write nearly 60 page papers for the BSN program in each semester, starting from my 4th out of 6 semesters (OB, pediatrics, Community Health, and complex quality management papers) in addition to "other papers" that were more than 5-10 pages. So I believe the BSN program trained me to build the patience to write multiple time consuming papers though I know the papers in the MSN FNP program in entirely different.

I do feel a little intimidated about the program but I am willing to work hard. I just thought I'd prepare myself by asking you guys for insight.