I'm considering Grad School to become an NP-any words of wisdom?

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Any words of wisdom from experienced

NP's and/or student NP's? I've been an RN

for 16 years, and as age 50 fast approaches,

I'm trying to figure out what I want to do when I grow up!

The NP role has always interested me & I would

also love to teach...

Also, as I need to work full-time(or at least .8 FTE) while

in school, the campus-based programs here in the

San Francisco Bay Area offer only "traditional" programs

where one has to work only very part-time.(and starve:o )

Many of the distance, web-based programs

such as Frontier, or SUNY@ Stony Brook seem

quite appealing..I'm interested in either Adult or Family NP.

Thanks very much & I'm very grateful for your feedback!:balloons:

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hello Delmar!

Smile, your question brought back sooo many memories. I was working full-time 12 hour nights, part-time days (on my days off) and was attending both a distance BSN program and physically attending a local college for my BA in Anthropology plus I had three little boys at home! Whew, don't know how I did it, but I did. AND my three boys, err, my three young men (smile) still love me!

I am joking but, for me, going for "distance education" is the best. I can work full time and do any and all research for homework questions on line. I can submit my required papers while still in my PJs etc.

I am reapplying to go back to SUNY @ Stony Brook (missed out on the spring dead-line, sigh...I sent you a PM regarding Stony Brook) I have decided to change from FNP to Adult. I just have a hard time dealing with sick children. I am not sure why, did n't bother me that much when I was working at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, NYC. I mean, peds is not my first choice and I would rather not have to take care of little babies, children, kids etc. Just too upsetting. And the FNP means I would have to do rotations in neonatal, pediatrics. {{shudder}} So am switching to Adult.

MUCH LUCK on your finding the right program for you.

OH, BTW I am 50 myself and have been an RN for over 30 years!

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Specializes in orthopedics, gerontology.

I'm not sure if this will help...but I know there are a lot of programs that allow you to work full time and attend classes part time, and the hospitals will actually pay part (or all) of your tuition. It takes a little longer to get your degree, but seems to save you a lot of money in the end!! I know people that are doing that in my program right now, and are doing very well. I was in too much of a hurry to get my NP,so I will be starving for years and years to come due to student loans:) Best of luck to you in your decision!

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I am working .8 FTE and going to FNP school on line with UAB school of Nursing(univ. of alabama at bham)..I could not do it any other way and find it less stressful b/c i can do things on my own time...You have to be disciplined and organized...Good luck...remember, AGE is just a number

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Specializes in ICU.

Hi there! I'm enrolled at Indiana State University in their FNP program online and am now finishing up my first semester. It's been challenging yet rewarding. I've been stressed out at times (like a few weeks ago when two papers were due the same week as an exam plus my birthday with an entire day devoted to family). Phew! However, the flexibility and knowing that it was my responsibility to get the work in on time has made me very disciplined. I work full-time and even pick up extra hours while doing schoolwork. At first I thought I'd go part-time in school, but have decided not to waste time and go full-time. Just 9 credits makes up full-time for graduate students and that's enough!

Too bad you aren't here in GA. There's a school here that has a weekend only program for FNP. Pretty neat. I like having my weekends to myself and the husband so online was the best route for me.

Best of luck to you!!!

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Hello:

I too desire to attend ISU if I get good feedback! How many courses did you take, etc. I have the summer off from school and am thinking maybe there is something I can do to get a jump start on classes this fall. I will be taking over 10 credits, but will not work, just school. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

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Specializes in ICU.
Hello:

I too desire to attend ISU if I get good feedback! How many courses did you take, etc. I have the summer off from school and am thinking maybe there is something I can do to get a jump start on classes this fall. I will be taking over 10 credits, but will not work, just school. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer!

Hi! Check you email. I finally got around to replying.

P.S. Your PM inbox here is full :)

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Specializes in ER, critical care.

Good to hear UAB got their program online. Also the University of South Alabama has an online program that seems reasonable and offers a part time option.

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Hi Delmar:

By now I hope you have found some answers.. I went back to APN/MSN program after being out of school >20yrs..and I was not the oldest one there!! I am finishing up my thesis..should be done by summer!! Good luck to you!!

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