Inexperienced NP

[stiegr]

My mother has been an RN for 30 years and a DON in NJ for about 20. I am entering an accelerated BSN program in May that will allow me the option of automatically matriculating into the master's program upon completion. My mother is insisting that I continue straight through school rather than taking time off to work, as she says there will be limited hospital positions in Philadelphia open to a brand new RN (in peds). We have had a few discussions about this...and I wanted to hear other opinions as well. I have also heard from other nurses in my life that it is very frowned upon to come in as an inexperienced NP. Thoughts?

[Extra Pickles]

How does someone become an advanced practice nurse without ever having practiced nursing? I guess if the system allows it it's ok, but I don't think I'd want to be in the hands of someone who only has school books and clinical assignments to draw on when treating me, and no actual experience in nursing let alone being my primary healthcare provider. Just my thought anyway.

[ED Nurse, RN]

How does someone become an advanced practice nurse without ever having practiced nursing? I guess if the system allows it it's ok, but I don't think I'd want to be in the hands of someone who only has school books and clinical assignments to draw on when treating me, and no actual experience in nursing let alone being my primary healthcare provider. Just my thought anyway.

Couldnt agree more- I don't understand why these type of programs exist. How can one be an advanced practice nurse with no practical or actual bedside nursing experience? That is not a provider I would want taking care of my family or one that I would consider hiring. What makes NP's so great, in my opinion, is the practical bedside experience they bring with them- it makes them such incredible, well rounded providers.

[stiegr]

I agree with you, just wanted to make sure I had the right mindset. I wasn't quite sure why an experienced RN would suggest otherwise!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Instead of going straight to NP...just remember you may have to work in another specialty before you get into the specialty you desire.

The Philadelphia, PA market is very saturated, and Peds positions aren't always in the hospitals-they're in Home Health, Post Acute Facilities, and in Schools (as an assistant to certified school nurses).

If you are willing to learn a base, whether in Med-Surg or LTC, then work your way and find a Post-Acute Peds or Medical Daycare, then move to Acute Care (if that is what you desire) then there are options...it will be up to you.

Best wishes!

[NOADLS]

Is peds (in hospital) the only setting you would be willing to work as a RN? If so, going straight for the NP isn't a bad idea.

Neither is ideal, but at the very least, an inexperienced NP has a lot more options than a RN only willing to work in pediatrics at a hospital.

The inexperienced NP is frowned upon, but my understanding is that you won't have difficulty finding a job.

[Dogen]

As someone currently getting their NP, I'll say that for me bedside experience is helpful. Knowing medications, being comfortable asking personal questions and being up in someone's personal space, having practical experience with common side effects, and the little tips and tricks you pick up through practice are helpful. But I'm not a stickler for tons of experience.

But, I'm in psych and I have found in this specialty the roles are very different. I would assume family and pediatric nurse practitioners might find more overlap in the skills (physical exams, procedures, etc) that would make bedside experience more critical.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Once upon a time ago, I thought I wanted to go straight into NP school. Now that I am working at the bedside, I realize that those years of working on the floor are critical in filling in the gaps that you missed during undergrad.

I don't like direct-entry programs and find them really hurtful to the nursing profession.