Leaving Social Work to become a Nurse Practitioner

Nursing Students NP Students

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ok, I recently became a Social worker, LMSW...and I realized..I made a mistake, anso I've decided to do something about it...yet i'm experiencing a dilemma

I want to be a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry but I currently owe 56,000 in debt from my loans. I just recently received a position working with an organization that monitors and provides scatter site housing for people who are homeless, psychiatric disabled and have Aids.

I have experience of 1 year and 8 months with individuals with psychiatric disabilities in outpatient clinic and 1 and 5 months Vocational experience with people with varied physical and psychiatric disabilities

My undergrad GPA is 3.2 and my grad program was credit no credit....so 3.0 gpa to graduate.

from my research I see that I would have to do a an accelerated program, a masters and possibly a DNP. I like making informed decisions, so based on the info above is this a smart decision??

Would I even be accepted as a previous social worker? I know I have to do prerequisites, math is not my strong point....how horribly will i suffer in this area? lol

it is now 2015....and they stated DNP is a recommendation and is endorsed for future NP...(and in New York their still offering masters programs, certification.......yet its not required???????? am I going to be forced to do this degree?? (can they make up their minds if every program will transition to this recommendation....could I stop after my masters.....and work a while before I get it??

For NP's do you like your job? do you owe alot from your programs, will I be able to pay it back?? (any forbearance programs) oh and I do I have to do a year of bedside nursing?????

So many questions, any answers...WILL BE SO GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

To throw my two cents in I would personally suggest going one of two routes. I would recommend either doing an accelerated BSN (Pro- for one year full-time studies you walk out with a BSN, Con- often competitive, pricey, limited time commitment for working) or you go the route of getting an ASN. I know that both routes can be competitive (personal experience). I personally would advocate for the ASN. From what I have seen going to an ASN to a BSN is quick (my estimate would be about a year give or take a few classes), generally less expensive (my community college is about 8k per year, so figure 16k for the entire degree), and gives you the potential to possibly work. I would advise trying to get into a hospital that offers tuition benefits (ie teaching hospitals). Many hospitals offer to assist or pay for nurses to go from their ASN to BSN. So there is definitely potential to save money there. Then it's up to you to do the Master's. As for the advice of doing a CNA and working as a CNA I don't personally see much merit in that. I would imagine that would be a marked decrease in salary. I don't personally see the point in spending money on a CNA program only to immediately move on.

Specializes in hospice.
As for the advice of doing a CNA and working as a CNA I don't personally see much merit in that. I would imagine that would be a marked decrease in salary. I don't personally see the point in spending money on a CNA program only to immediately move on.

I agree with this. I'm currently a CNA, and I don't even make half of OP's stated current income of $50,000 a year. If you're going to pursue this change, no need to be completely financially stupid about it. Even though you don't like your job right now, OP, it seems much smarter to me to keep that higher income to support yourself through nursing school. While you're in school you could get deferments on your current loans as well, which would free up tuition money.

Welp....this is what i get for listening to my parents... now, i'm stuck in a career that I hate, paying off debt with money I don't have....should stayed a college drop out..until I figured out what I wanted to do, with my life.....so depressed.

I'm really sorry this happened, and pray I never do that to my kids. You need to understand that they probably thought they were doing what's best for you. We want so badly for our children to succeed, and once you're old enough to live on your own, we start to really feel our own mortality and want some assurance that you can support yourself when we can't help you anymore. Loving your children is like having your own heart walking around outside your body. We parents want the best for our kids so badly it can be painful. However that's no excuse for not listening and respecting our children for the individuals they are, so I hope all of us learn from your situation. Outcomes like yours are the main reason why college has never been the only post-high school option I present to my kids. It's not right for everyone. I've always included the military, trade schools, and a solid entry level job with real opportunity to move up. If I had a kid really unsure of what to major in, but open to higher ed, I'd encourage doing gen eds cheaply at a community college and working somewhere while they figure it out.

Sorry if I rambled. My first is flying the nest this summer, so these issues have been on my mind. She's insanely sure of her future though, so we're good.

And I know at least one will go the trade school route, because she's wanted to be a chef since the age of 4. I encourage her to be realistic about that career, but it's all she cares about, so helping her get there is my job.

Loving one's job is not guaranteed, and it's certainly not a right, but it's nice if you can have it.

Specializes in ICU.
The OP is talking about becoming a psychiatric NP. There is no psych NP program that requires any ICU experience. The only graduate programs in nursing that require ICU experience are CRNA programs.

I know what she is looking at. But she is going to have to get a masters degree. Any masters program I have looked at requires ICU experience for 1 year. Once they accept you then you can specialize. I'm not saying there aren't programs out there like what you are saying, but any masters I have looked at has had that as the requirement.

Specializes in ICU.
I agree with this. I'm currently a CNA, and I don't even make half of OP's stated current income of $50,000 a year. If you're going to pursue this change, no need to be completely financially stupid about it. Even though you don't like your job right now, OP, it seems much smarter to me to keep that higher income to support yourself through nursing school. While you're in school you could get deferments on your current loans as well, which would free up tuition money.

I'm really sorry this happened, and pray I never do that to my kids. You need to understand that they probably thought they were doing what's best for you. We want so badly for our children to succeed, and once you're old enough to live on your own, we start to really feel our own mortality and want some assurance that you can support yourself when we can't help you anymore. Loving your children is like having your own heart walking around outside your body. We parents want the best for our kids so badly it can be painful. However that's no excuse for not listening and respecting our children for the individuals they are, so I hope all of us learn from your situation. Outcomes like yours are the main reason why college has never been the only post-high school option I present to my kids. It's not right for everyone. I've always included the military, trade schools, and a solid entry level job with real opportunity to move up. If I had a kid really unsure of what to major in, but open to higher ed, I'd encourage doing gen eds cheaply at a community college and working somewhere while they figure it out.

Sorry if I rambled. My first is flying the nest this summer, so these issues have been on my mind. She's insanely sure of her future though, so we're good.

And I know at least one will go the trade school route, because she's wanted to be a chef since the age of 4. I encourage her to be realistic about that career, but it's all she cares about, so helping her get there is my job.

Loving one's job is not guaranteed, and it's certainly not a right, but it's nice if you can have it.

This a million times!!! I know if my parents had made me go to school right out of high school I would have done terrible and have a degree in a career I would hate. I love that they let me make up my own mind. I went to work in retail after high school. I absolutely hated school. But I also have to say, my school never talked to us about college and what kind of careers existed. I thought women went to be teachers and men to go be whatever they wanted. Our guidance counselors were a waste of space in my opinion because they did nothing.

I have a 9 year old and I told him he can be whatever he wants to be. My ex husband and I have a college fund for him only if he chooses to go to college. He has many interests in life and I encourage him to research everything thoroughly.

My main worry for you OP is the time and money. I asked this earlier but think about whether or not you will have to work if you get into a program. An ABSN program is probably not going to be the right fit for you if you have to work full time. I would hate for you to pay for a program and then fail out because you didn't map out the right way to go about it. Nursing school is hard. It's not like a psych program. You learn to think completely different. Some of the absolute smartest people are doing terrible in my program because they can't figure it out. I know my ASN program is fast paced, an ABSN is probably double.

I know what she is looking at. But she is going to have to get a masters degree. Any masters program I have looked at requires ICU experience for 1 year. Once they accept you then you can specialize. I'm not saying there aren't programs out there like what you are saying, but any masters I have looked at has had that as the requirement.

Please post a link to any psych NP program that requires ICU experience to apply. Please post a link to any MSN program other than a CRNA program that requires ICU experience to apply. Thanks.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I know what she is looking at. But she is going to have to get a masters degree. Any masters program I have looked at requires ICU experience for 1 year. Once they accept you then you can specialize. I'm not saying there aren't programs out there like what you are saying, but any masters I have looked at has had that as the requirement.

Masters APN programs do not mandate ICU experience. You specialize upon entry as not all schools offer all specialties. The only APN programs that require adult ICU experience are Acute adult APN and CRNA. NNP required NICU experience.

Here's one: no ICU required

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program | University of Michigan-Flint

UPenn offers a DE BSN/MSN program for those with a bachelors in another discipline

Direct Entry BSN/MSN

I have been following this thread because I have applied to both nursing schools and an MSW program for this fall. I have not heard back from the MSW yet, but I have been accepted to an RN program. The medical school nearby does have a program that allows RNs to go straight into their MSN to become psychiatric mental health NP or family practice NP and actually, I'm not sure one need ever even work as an RN in that process (this seems like a bad idea, but I digress) let alone have ICU experience. I do believe you can get tuition assistance if you work as an RN from many hospitals, and if I was the OP and determined to chase this dream, I think that's what I would do.

I'm 31 years old. I have some student loans from earning my BA, but I only had to worry about taking loans 1 year, so I am luckier than many. I also have one full year left of paid tuition to put towards whatever I do. However, I have 11 and 9 year old children. The idea of taking on significant amounts of debt and finishing up when it's time to start shopping for colleges for them just seems really impractical. OP may be in a totally different situation if she doesn't have a family yet, or is younger, or a whole host of other factors.

However, I do think we all just get used to the idea of being shackled to student loans forever, which maybe numbs us to just how cra**y it is to be in debt..any debt.

Side note….amazingly, in the last 24 hours I have read on this site (not directed toward me), "don't become a nurse!" and "don't go into social work!" when I suspect the truth is somewhat more fluid than this. I have a sneaking suspicion that, whichever career path one takes, it is going to be what you make of it.

you're right...I posted on a public forum....which leaves it open to trollers, know it alls, and people here to hear themselves talk.. (and lack maturity....again..you're arguing with a stranger instead of just being quiet)...I need options not drama....not a long essay about loan debt....I am in my twenties living at home with my parents I knoooow all the risks....and I've researched and have family and are in the field....they said do it...I wanted varying intelligent persectives without the blah blah....why is everyone is going into finnacial debt for school???...for some....IT'S CAUSE THEY HAVE TO....not everyone have certain privileges....and im not going let anyone sit here and school me about issues I already know about....I want new knowledege....if you can't provide that...continue to moan and cry behind your computers...I don't have time for your long pretentious speeches....thank you to the people who have given me valuable options....like the asn programs, and tution reimbursement programs that I could explore.......you're actually informed individuals that want to help someone figure out their career. Again thanks for that....all others you're giving me a good laugh........ooooh my!!!! Lol

Specializes in hospice.

Yep....okay, I think this one is done folks. This person just wants to rant and doesn't seem to be taking in anything that gets posted.

Please post a link to any psych NP program that requires ICU experience to apply. Please post a link to any MSN program other than a CRNA program that requires ICU experience to apply. Thanks.

elkpark you are right, but many ACNP programs require or prefer at least 1 year ICU exp. before acceptance.

Not sure which programs Heather is referring to.

Specializes in Med/Surg.

You sound very similar to me. I have my LCSW and worked in mental health as a social worker for 5 years before going back for my BSN. The big difference is that I had paid off my loans before going to nursing school. Had I still had $50K plus in loans I probably wouldn't have done it. I did a 1 year accelerated program after going back and taking pre-reqs (Micro, Chem, A & P 1 & 2). The school advised students not to work during this program so I quit my job. After graduation, I got a job as an RN in a hospital and make slightly more than I did as a social worker. I have not gone on to get another master's degree because I don't want more loans. Financially, making this change was not beneficial to me. I had to take out about $35K in loans for the BSN program, lose a year of salary, and deplete much of my savings to pay for bills during nursing school. Now, I'm making only slightly more than I was before. An NP's salary would be quite a bit more than RN, however, it would also be quite a bit more in loans. If you do go back to school, I highly recommend a public school. Private schools are way too expensive and won't get you any better education.

Why do you want to be a psych NP vs a social worker? The jobs are very similar. What are you seeking with the NP that you can't find with the MSW? That might help you make your decision and decide if it's worth the financial hit. Maybe you need to find a new social work job that you enjoy more. There's so many things you can do with an MSW degree. If I had it to do over, I'm not sure I would make this change again.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I cannot fathom why a cnm, whnp, , pnp, nnp, or pmhnp program would mandate a year of adult ICU experience as a condition of admission. Many require a year experience in the chosen specialty area and a current RN license. Even a MSN in nurse education, management or nurse informatics does not require a year of ICU.

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