118 Posts
Lets see. A masters in nursing education or administration will likely be unfulfilling for you if you love actually caring for/managing patients. A degree in edu/or admin is not even comparable to a NP degree. Nothing alike.
There are NP programs that let you go at your own pace. I'm sure they put a X-year cap on how long it can take you. If you do not plan on staying in administration for the rest of your career, I'd def go NP.
50 Posts
6 Posts
I do still feel pretty stongly that I will do my np. I just can't see myself away from the bedside forever. I'm just unsure about how feasible it is with my work schedule.
I am in my first semester of MSN program at West Virginia University. I am doing the FNP track. It is completely online, rated #21 in best online programs from US News & World Report. The cost is affordable and financial aid is available. There is no requirement of being a bedside nurse. I know people who entered this program directly after graduation of BSN, without ever working as RN. I waited one year before starting program and believe that having experience as a nurse is an advantage. You can attend part-time over four years (ten semesters); accelerated part-time (eight semesters); or full-time (five semesters). I am completing the program at an accelerated part-time pace and I work five, eight-hour shifts per week in rehab nursing. So far, the program has been manageable. The only drawback is that the program is asynchronous and everyone is online at the same time. I have class on Tuesdays from 1600-1900 and Wednesdays from 1600-1800. You may want to look into this program, information at http://www.nursing.hsc.wvu.edu
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Cindy-20
107 Posts
I too have seem to be in the same boat as you as not working at the bedside any longer. I did bedside nursing x 5 years and have now been in Quality Management for 3 years. I really miss working with patients and have been seriously considering going back to school for my FNP. I'd be interested to hear any feedback. I'm looking to go back part time and cost is a concern also.