Is an NP program possible for me?

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I'm tentatively about to start a new job (just finalizing some details) that requires me to start a Master's program. The job is in the realm of patient education, not direct patient care. I have been doing bedside nursing for the past 7 years. I had been planning to enter an NP program when this opportunity became available to me. While an MSN in administration or education might be more appropriate to this new position, I am more interested in being an NP. Two questions come to mind. Do np programs require you to be involved in bedside nursing? Is there an online NP program that will allow me to go very slow? Now that I am going to work 5-8 hour days instead of 3-12 hour days, I'm worried about time for studying. I want to start out slow. Affordability is also a concern, but not as great a concern, since I'm going to take it slow. I want to make sure it's a quality program

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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.

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Specializes in Family Practice, Urgent Care.

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.

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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.

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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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