Interested student seek advice from peers and nurses

[Tina.H]

To: The nursing community

My name is Tina, 25, looking to understand even more about nursing and my dilemma.

First off, I want to thank you for your advice, both positive and negative. I appreciate all.

I received my bachelor in biochemistry, and am aiming at a accelerated BSN degree.

Living in Oregon there are a few options i am aware of: OHSU, Linfield, and UP.

OHSU (public) and linfield (private) program is 12-15 months in which you get a BSN and take the RN license.

UP (private) had a program to be a FNP in about 6 years. 1st 19 month is to get RN license ( no BSN). Next 4 years to to get FNP through weekend classes and while working - but they dont match you up with a job. Also the GRE is require, I am never great at standardize test ( because I moved here when I was 8), but willing to jump through hoops to be in school if needed.

Issue 1: it is more beneficial to get a BSN under your belt. and then apply to a NP program?

reasons include cost, more knowledge of what Nursing entails. Possibly apply for the Nursing Scholarship.

Issue 2: I like to work with the Peds pop: would FNP be a good choice? It is true that FNP is not a bedside nurse?

Issue 3: I am small stature ( 5'/90lbs)- therefore I worry about patient transport/hygiene care. Are there specialties you may recc?

I am a very friendly person, flexible, and I absolutely love people and learning things about them. I am dedicating now until I am in Nursing school to find out more about the field. Therefore I appreciate all the help/guidance from all the nurses and the nursing students (my future colleagues) in this forum! - Your time and knowledge is so very appreciated.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Hi, I'm in a similar situation. I'm going for an ABSN too and my goal is to become an FNP.

Looking at your options, I would get the BSN first to work and gain experience as a nurse. Your employer may pay for your MSN degree as well. You said you want to work with peds. The best option (IMO) is an FNP degree because it's more marketable. Just in case you are tired or peds, you can move to adult. This was the advice given to me by two NPs.

And no FNPs are not bedside nurses. In some states, FNPs practice independently from Doctors. They can open their own facility and are the primary healthcare providers.

The ABSN program I'm interested in has the FNP program, but like I said I rather get experience under my belt to make sure that is the right move.

Also to add: Go to the "Specialty" tab and post in the Nurse Practitioner forum. Great and relevant advice about NPs are always given there.

Good luck.