Is too soon to go to FNP program with less than 2 years of RN experience

Dranger · Jul 9, 2015

Well in my opinion the route of NP school at this point is pretty precarious. It seems to be a new trend nowadays for bedside RNs to jet out after a couple years experience and gravitate to grad school. I have said this on other threads but just as an anecdotal example literally 80% of my ICU is in NP school or starting the process. At the end of the day there are only so many NP jobs and with the influx of online and for-profit schools accepting anyone and everyone the competition increase.

MD or PA school don't have that problem.

nyc2011 · Jul 10, 2015

Hmmâ€¦60K of loans..is a lot! I would really consider taking this much of debt. Otherwise, yes it's no problemâ€¦.because as a RN you are not learning how to diagnose and think from a NP perspective â€¦you're thinking from a RN perspectiveâ€¦..yea of course you may have increased familiarity with drugs, etc. but otherwise..you have to think on a higher level!!!!

Jules A, MSN · Jul 10, 2015

Regardless of the career outlook for a FNP seriously don't take out a $60,000 loan. Maybe work a few more years and save the money so you at least wouldn't be going into serious debt for what is likely to be a soft market for NPs in the near future. Its all about supply and demand and the supply is burgeoning:

Sharp increase expected in number of nurse practitioners - amednews.com

CocoaLoverFNP · Jul 10, 2015

Questions:
1. Is it too soon to go to FNP program with little experience being an RN?
2. I live here in California and went to traditional school (CSU's). I am planning to go to online school such as Samuel and Simmons. Do online schools have bad reputation when getting a job?
which school has best FNP program?
3. How'd the job market? I'm scared to take 60 grand loan and able to get a job. Should I go to a traditional school?

Hello Dian,

I am a new grad but I can also answer your questions because I am from CA.

1) No. I have met NPs who have never worked as any type of nurse and they are really good at what they do! Although I still believe that an experience as a nurse (at least 2-3 years, preferably in the ER/ICU or ambulatory settings) before becoming an NP is vauable in the long run.

2) I went to CSU for my NP degree. As you know, it's a state school and you will have to do a lot of the paperwork and "other stuff" (ex calling preceptors, BRN app, etc.) yourself... My school was always understaffed. I would recommend going to a CSU for your NP. I received quality education for an affordable price. My husband and I paid for my tuition by cash (because I am still paying for my BSN). I am so glad we did!!! My husband is proud that he suggested it ;-)

3) Taking out a 60k loan for NP school is risky. I would definitely not do it myself. The job market for new NPs, at least here in southern CA, is horrible. Most clinics will only hire experienced NPs. Some require Spanish-speaking NPs only which also limited options. So right now, I have two per diem NP jobs waiting for me... That means no benefits. I am hoping though that working these 2 PD jobs will be considered "experience" in my future. I applied for 20 jobs and only 2 replied. One of them asked if I would apply for a manager job instead (still thinking about it but I really want to be an NP). Therefore, i will be keeping my RN job for a while until I find a stable NP job... Hopefully soon

DianRN603 · Jul 14, 2015

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for all the guidance and helping me for the FNP program. I appreciate the time you spent, and for answering so many questions. After careful consideration, I have decided that private online school is not for me. I like the idea of everything online and their flexibility but the preceptorship worries me a lot. I have to find my own preceptors.

So I decided to apply to brick and mortar school. I know I have to go to school twice per year for the first 2 quarters, which is doable to my busy schedule. On the brighter side, the school will provide preceptors. I know I will learn a lot so I can give safe and highest standard of care.

Thanks again for all your help!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2015

60,000 is a lot. The program I am applying to is about 30,000 and that is on the higher end of things.

ThePsychWhisperer, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Jul 14, 2015

60,000 is a lot. The program I am applying to is about 30,000 and that is on the higher end of things.

I agree. There is a private school in my area offering a very good NP program for just over $30,000. Many public schools (some online) offer these degrees for much less. Just ensure they are reputable and accredited :)