I am thinking of becoming a NP

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Mar 18, 2007

(much deleted after having found I missed the boat. Thanks, all!)

Good luck--come on into nursing. If you are called to this, it will be worth it and you will be, IMHO, exceptional because you have additional valuable experience in the helping professions.

charlies · Mar 18, 2007

the University of Maryland accepts new RN's into their NP programs. Here is a link:

http://nursing.umaryland.edu/

the only program that requires actual nursing experience is the CRNA program.

BlaineCM · Mar 18, 2007

You could see if there are any accelerated BSN programs in your area. I took this route. These programs let you obtain your BSN in a year since you already have a bachelors (or masters) in another field. I will be graduating in June and have already been accepted to the nurse practitioner program that begins in the fall. My school is a major state university, so I can't see the quality being compromised. Do you know what type of nurse practitioner you want to be? Some specialties do require or recommend RN experience (ie neonatal, nurse midwife, and acute care). At least this is the case at my school.

lizzyberry · Mar 18, 2007

How much is the tuition? Do u have to have ur bsn

BlaineCM · Mar 18, 2007

yes, you do need to have your BSN prior to entering the NP portion of the program. Students obtain their BSN in 13 months, then enter the masters portion. The masters portion is completed in 1.5 years if full-time or 3 years if part-time.

jessiev · Mar 18, 2007

Thank you so much for responding...I am having a hard time finding the perspective of people who are in the field...so I really thank you for answering...and I think you are right..going into something right out of high school would have been a mistake...now that I am a little bit wiser...It will certainly serve me and those around me better...thanks!

I_am_Julia · Mar 18, 2007

in some ways it will help. you have to market yourself. the only reason i went into nursing is to become an advanced practice nurse. i never had any intention of being anything else for long.

i have an msw and am thinking of becoming an rn so that i can also become a nurse practitioner...will my msw do anything to further this along? does having an msw help me if i have an rn license or do i need to have a msn?

Flare, ASN, BSN · Mar 19, 2007

I heard that NP's are going to need a doctorate by 2015 (and that current np's would not be grandfathered under this new standard) Anyone hear of this or is it a rumor?

Trauma Columnist · Mar 19, 2007

I can assure that current NPs and other APNs WILL be grandfathered in.