Let's me guess...AP nursing flooded too?

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So I begin at frontier for their fnp program next month and to be honest I'm reconsidering it...nursing all together actually. With as flooded as the market is right now for RNs is it not the same for FNPs? I don't relish the thought of going 60k in debt and then being unable to find a job.

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Well, I have to say it is all in where you live. I live in the Southeast (Florida) and the only way my recently graduated friends (5 close friends) are finding jobs is by either relocating, or taking very low paying positions. I am about to graduate in May 2012, and I have attended a brick and mortar private university - about $32,000 in student loans. As you can read my my previous post, I have serious doubts about my future. :bluecry1: Well, let me correct that, lol. I have doubts as my future as an NP! I will look for a job, slowly and methodically. I will not take the first job offered unless it is everything I want. I will HAPPILY stay a hospital staff / charge nurse because I love it.

I LOVE my job, LOVE being a CCRN / cardiac nurse. I have been doing this for 16 years. But I know the market is tight around here in the south, more supply than demand (too many schools, and new online NP schools popping up overnight), less reimbursement for the MD's from Medicare now than even a few years ago = less jobs, less pay.

Good luck!!

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I think it really depends on your location and your specialty. Where I live, it seems like the market for FNPs is flooded. However, as far as I can tell, it looks like the demand for CNMs is strong. So, I guess it just depends. I also have heard that the demand is really strong for PMHNPs, all over the US.

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That's another thing. I heard frontier was highly respected but their fnp program I'm in is online and I've seen a few posts saying negative things about online programs in general. I'm so confused and utterly frustrated. I simply...honestly...have no idea what to do 8(

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I think it really depends on your location and your specialty. Where I live, it seems like the market for FNPs is flooded. However, as far as I can tell, it looks like the demand for CNMs is strong. So, I guess it just depends. I also have heard that the demand is really strong for PMHNPs, all over the US.
Im in the charleston wv area
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I don't personally agree with the online NP programs. It is late, I have to work in the am, so I can't post any research articles to back my "instinct", haha. It is just a feeling of making the NP degree "cheap and easy". Of course, we all know online programs are not cheap! :bugeyes:

But supply and demand is REAL. My classroom based University took on 19 students. 3 flunked out / quit within a year. There are only 3 classroom NP schools in northeast Florida, and I am proud to be attending one. Too many important things to "self teach yourself" when it comes to being an NP, IMO. I do know two people who did online NP programs, and both said overall their education felt lacking when it came time to practice. Could have been just them....

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I don't personally agree with the online NP programs. It is late, I have to work in the am, so I can't post any research articles to back my "instinct", haha. It is just a feeling of making the NP degree "cheap and easy". Of course, we all know online programs are not cheap! :bugeyes:But supply and demand is REAL. My classroom based University took on 19 students. 3 flunked out / quit within a year. There are only 3 classroom NP schools in northeast Florida, and I am proud to be attending one. Too many important things to "self teach yourself" when it comes to being an NP, IMO. I do know two people who did online NP programs, and both said overall their education felt lacking when it came time to practice. Could have been just them....
What do you mean about the "supply and demand" part of your post? Do you feel fnp is flooded ATM?
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I after graduating the MSN program, I found it easier to find positions as an NP vs. RN a few years back. Maybe it's just my experience. I remember finishing my RN degree and had a very hard time finding a new graduate job. I recently finished the MSN program and received 2 offers and have 3 more interviews to go (and I didn't send out nearly as many applications compared to the RN search). This may differ between specialties and geographic area.. I'm and FNP and I intend to go into the primary care/community health setting.

Regarding any MSN program or online MSN program, I believe the clinical experience plays a vital role in a students education. Doesn't matter if you take your classes online or in class, just make sure you get a really good preceptor. Those who cannot answer your questions or comment on questions with, "You don't even know about...?" may not be the best instructors (or they are not fully educated on the issue themselves..). I think regardless of the program you choose, there will always be a need for self/independent study (and this will not change even post graduation)...

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I after graduating the MSN program, I found it easier to find positions as an NP vs. RN a few years back. Maybe it's just my experience. I remember finishing my RN degree and had a very hard time finding a new graduate job. I recently finished the MSN program and received 2 offers and have 3 more interviews to go (and I didn't send out nearly as many applications compared to the RN search). This may differ between specialties and geographic area.. I'm and FNP and I intend to go into the primary care/community health setting.Regarding any MSN program or online MSN program, I believe the clinical experience plays a vital role in a students education. Doesn't matter if you take your classes online or in class, just make sure you get a really good preceptor. Those who cannot answer your questions or comment on questions with, "You don't even know about...?" may not be the best instructors (or they are not fully educated on the issue themselves..). I think regardless of the program you choose, there will always be a need for self/independent study (and this will not change even post graduation)...
Ty, your posts actually made me smile. I also want to do primary care and I was just terrified I'd end up not even being able to practice d/t a flooded market. I don't care if I start out at 60k a year, it isnt about money to me. Plus I have plans on joint the national guard to help with the student loan debt.
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Ty everyone for your responses so far, I'm a young nurse with a lot to learn

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Actually, I work for a fairly big organization and most of the AP nurse positions take a very long time to fill, just not many applicants. So I think further education is a great idea. Especially, with the push in health care for BSN nurses the leadership/education positions are requiring more masters prepared nurses. So if you do not want to be a bedside RN until you retire advancing your education is a great idea.

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Actually, I work for a fairly big organization and most of the AP nurse positions take a very long time to fill, just not many applicants. So I think further education is a great idea. Especially, with the push in health care for BSN nurses the leadership/education positions are requiring more masters prepared nurses. So if you do not want to be a bedside RN until you retire advancing your education is a great idea.
Thank you for your response ma'am. Just the thought of that much more debt scared me. I'm only 25 and I turn to this site and my elders for advice. You all are very helpful and kind. Thank you 8) sincerely ty
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