I need help on a career change question do I go for NP or something else

April, RN, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2011

Sorry, I don't have too much information to offer but I did want to mention Direct Entry MSN programs. These are programs for people with Bachelors Degree in other fields. You sit for your RN boards after a year or so and then continue on for your Masters. This could be a good option for someone like you.

Rookie12 · Jan 31, 2011

I would agree that a direct entry MSN program sounds like it would fit your needs---3 years, get your RN along the way. i would suggest a school like Regis I believe, where after you get your RN (1.5 years) you can work part time and go to school for NP part time. This way you will have some experience working as an RN before you get your NP. I've heard that some NP's that go straight through without working as an RN can have a hard time getting jobs because they have no RN experience...an NP is an advanced practice nurse after all! as for whether you should go NP or CNS, thats a personal decision as to where you see your career going. And if any credits from your first degree will carry over...depends what you took and how long ago you took them. I did an accelerated BSN, so already had a BA, but i only had one class from undergrad that would carry over...usually you need A&P 1 and 2, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, nutrition, growth and development. or some combo of those. I know people in my program who had been out of school for a long time and with some classes you can petition to have them count, (if greater than 10 years old, like i think statistics hasn't changed much) but some classes "expire" after a certain amount of time. Best of luck in whatever you decide!

imelissa1 · Feb 5, 2011

Forget the NP unless your goal is work for a medical practice. The NP at my doctor's office told me she gets paid $30,000/year. No lie. Granted, we don't do this job for the money, but, $30,000 is ridiculous particularly when you factor in the increased risks that come with being a NP.

I would get my BSN, work and continue until I had my MSN. You can do anything you want with your MSN. I was in the process of getting my MSN through Drexler University online until I switched employers who didn't offer a very good tuition reimbursement program. Many employers will pay for your degree so look for all the money you'll save if you get your BSN first then have them pay for your MSN.

And the best part of all, you'll be able to pick and choose your job. No shortage, no layoffs (for the most part :)

April, RN, BSN, RN · Feb 5, 2011

Forget the NP unless your goal is work for a medical practice. The NP at my doctor's office told me she gets paid $30,000/year. No lie. Granted, we don't do this job for the money, but, $30,000 is ridiculous particularly when you factor in the increased risks that come with being a NP.
I would get my BSN, work and continue until I had my MSN. You can do anything you want with your MSN. I was in the process of getting my MSN through Drexler University online until I switched employers who didn't offer a very good tuition reimbursement program. Many employers will pay for your degree so look for all the money you'll save if you get your BSN first then have them pay for your MSN.
And the best part of all, you'll be able to pick and choose your job. No shortage, no layoffs (for the most part :)

This info is just not true... at least it's not the norm. Nurse practitioners do not have to work for a medical practice. They work in doctors' offices, clinics, and hospitals. The starting rate for NPs around here is $70K-$90K. Many employers will contribute a couple thousand a semester for tuition reimbursement, but I don't know of any around here that will cover all your expenses. And no one is able to pick and choose their jobs right now in MA... including MSNs.

watersamy · Feb 7, 2011

You're absolutely right April. More and more NP's work in hospitals and emergency rooms. The pay is anywhere between $70K and $105K in the Boston are. Its a great profession. The smaller local medical practices pay about $55K. I have a friend who is a NP at Mass General Hospital in oncology and she loves her job not to mention the great salary she makes.

allnurses Guide · Feb 7, 2011

I'm a Direct Entry grad-FNP. I work in a community health center and although I'm not making a top salary, it's a heck of a lot more than $30,000 a year. This was a mid-life career change for me and it's the best decision I ever made. The program was tough, but so worth it. There are several schools in the Boston area that have such programs-Northeastern, Simmons, Mass General, Regis, and my alma mater, Boston College. UMASS also has a direct entry program based in Worcester. Northeastern's program is the longest; Boston College's is the shortest. The job market seems to be the best for FNPs and psych NPS right now. Best of luck to you. Feel free to PM me if I can be of help.

SnowShoeRN · Feb 8, 2011

I pretty much agree with most of what has been said above. I do have a friend, however, who is going for her PNP (pediatric NP, she's in the program now) who says that she regrets not getting on board with the FNP. Even though pedi is all she's ever done and all she's wanted to do, she has seen her co-workers (she works at Children's Hospital) have a tough time finding jobs as a PNP as opposed to a FNP. Apparently FNP's can have more flexibility.

At least that's what I've heard. I'm sure those PNP's out there would have more to say on the matter.