Is it reasonably possible to have two NP specialties?

zenman · Jul 10, 2010

My current preceptor is a FNP and PMHNP. Do one program and get a post-masters in the other.

Look at the NP definition at top of this thread and the CNS one at top of CNS thread.

satyadhi · Jul 11, 2010

Ok, thanks. I think I prefer the NP role to the CNS role, but they are kind of similar too. I plan to eventually spend most of my time in home health, which from what I've read seems better for NP rather than CNS which is more hospital based. Maybe I am thinking too far ahead, I am only in my second eight weeks of nursing school, with each class being eight weeks. I think I'd like to get my FNP first, but eventually a part of me wants some psych nursing too. Maybe because that is one of the things that drew me to nursing, I used to spend alot of time talking to depressed people I met on the internet some who were too comfortable with suicide and cutting themselves and just talking to them and letting them know they were worth something gave me a sense of purpose.

Thanks

zenman · Jul 11, 2010

Psych is the best. Where else can you sit with a patient, armed only with yourself, and explore the mysteries of people's stories. Everyone else has to have a battery of lab or diagnostic tests to tell them what's wrong with a person...boring! :smokin:

satyadhi · Jul 11, 2010

Yeah, that is why I want to mix some psych into my nursing! I like the other nursing stuff too, but I think having some psych will give me a more well rounded career. I get to care for both body and mind.

booklovinrn · Jul 19, 2010

sorry I just saw this thread. I am a BSN student (older) and am planning on going directly in to a DNP program. I, like you, was torn between psych and family practice because I like both and I feel like psych is a huge part of everything. I am planning (hoping) on going to University of TN Health Science Center. They're in Memphis and their program is online except for 2 weeks a semester. The program there is a DNP in family psych and family practice. When you finish you will (after you pass boards) be certified for both!. It is only three years to go from a BSN to a DNP. I've hear lots of good things about it and I was super excited to find out I will be certified for both. Anyway I thought this sounded like something that might interest you.

satyadhi · Jul 19, 2010

Thanks! I will definitely look into that! :yeah:

Do you know if they are hard to get accepted into?

I do rather well academically, but I admit nursing school is very hard for me.

booklovinrn · Jul 19, 2010

I think they are pretty firm about GPA either a 3.0 overall or 3.25 last degree. The rest of the requirements are an essay, references, and an interview. When I asked them about competitiveness for this program that said that it is competitive but not crazy hard to get into. He said the GPA was the main sticking point.

satyadhi · Jul 19, 2010

Ok, that souns very possible. Thanks so much... if I can get into this program one day then that will cut about 3 years off my studies.

Do you know if any other colleges off this kind of degree? I figure it would be good to try to apply to as many programs as possible.

SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2010

Thanks for sharing that about U-T...they have some very attractive offerings, something for everyone. I like that you don't have to start over to get another type of NP certification...you can combine it in a reasonable amount of time to get your DNP.

booklovinrn · Jul 20, 2010

University of Southern Alabama has a BSN to DNP online program but it requires two years experience (I think) and they don't have the same options for DNP.

That's the only other one I know of but I think lots of schools are adding the option. Several of the ones I have seen require you to be a NP before the DNP which would take too much time for me.