I'm really confused about becoming an NP...please advise

[mondkmondk]

I'm getting ready to start my first class for my BSN (I'm an ADN RN) and also want my Master's...then I would love to be an adult NP or a mental health NP.

Please tell me how long this may take me if you know and what are clinicals like...are the classes really hard...are the tests you take to get your NP really hard? Are they like sitting for boards?

Could I be both an adult only NP and a mental health NP? Do I have to take different tests for different specialties?

I am so confused over all this...plus I need to decide eventually what school of nursing to do this at; I sent off for some brochures about different nursing schools and their NP programs.

Anyway, help me please!

Blessings, Michelle

[just_cause, BSN, RN]

Michelle,

You can look here for the available specialties and the testing requirements. Good luck in the start of your BSN!

http://www.nursecredentialing.org/default.aspx

[ANPFNPGNP]

I'm getting ready to start my first class for my BSN (I'm an ADN RN) and also want my Master's...then I would love to be an adult NP or a mental health NP.

Please tell me how long this may take me if you know and what are clinicals like...are the classes really hard...are the tests you take to get your NP really hard? Are they like sitting for boards?

Could I be both an adult only NP and a mental health NP? Do I have to take different tests for different specialties?

I am so confused over all this...plus I need to decide eventually what school of nursing to do this at; I sent off for some brochures about different nursing schools and their NP programs.

Anyway, help me please!

Blessings, Michelle

Yes, you would have to become certified as an Adult NP (primary care) and a Psych/Mental Health NP. The ANCC offers both of these certification exams. There may be dual programs out there that train you to do both, but I don't know which ones they are.