Little experience as an RN

[trein]

Is it feasible to get a job as a FNP in an office/ clinic setting with only one year hospital experience? I worked in medsurg for a year and hated it. Now I am going to work in a cardiology office. I want to get my FNP but refuse to work in the hospital. Is this possible?

[Mark Hill BSN]

Mark, you are the one making this a "combative" and personal exchange.

Your right, I'm fully invested now, but I didn't start any of this. By the way , I took the time to browse a few research samples to refresh my memory. Although most do not say that RN experience is not a direct correlation to NP skill, all that I read admitted that their studies were very flawed and limited. All that I read were also qualitative, based on the practicing NPs "self-evaluation". Nothing that I saw convinced me of anything. Reading into qualitative studies about self-evolution does not tell an adequate story, and I imagine that bias also plays a major role. Never the less, I will still fall back on my experience working with both types, adding to that the opinions of other healthcare professionals and reiterate that I think that an RN does themselves an injustice, by not having enough practical bedside experience, "at least initially"! Wow, I don think I have ever worked so hard to simply have an opinion, as flawed and as un-evidence based as it is!

[lemur87]

As a third party observer, mark hill, you come off as combative and over confident in your experience/ideas from the beginning. You might consider toning things down, dropping the name calling, and realizing that often times in science (nursing included) controlled research findings will supersede the opinions and experience of an individual...especially an individual who loses credibility with unprofessional conversation.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

BostonFNP....I agree with you.......I think someone with little experience can be a competent NP. I think it depends on the quality of the program and the quality of the mentor when they enter the field.

All nurses a new at some point, all MD's are new, a surgeons have had their first day....and do just fine with guidance and a good mentor.

I do however have issue with some of the new drive trough programs when I read questions by some new NP's looking for a position.....

Hi, how much of a difference is it in managing pediatric ICU patients compared to adult ICU patients besides drug adjustment r/t weight? For instance, do certain parameters, such as hemodynamics, response to meds, etc, fluctuate drastically or are they more or less similar to adults'? Thanks

I think a good mentor, good listening skills and a willingness to learn are imperative skills in any practitioner.

Moderator note:

Allnurses supports a lively debate if the debate it polite and constructive. Personal attacks are not allowed.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I am biased in my own opinion.....so this is my reference point. I had a total of 14 yrs nursing exp when I became an APN. In my area we do not have any direct entry programs at this time.

I think my nursing experience tremendously helped me as a APN.

[Mark Hill BSN]

As a third party observer, mark hill, you come off as combative and over confident in your experience/ideas from the beginning. You might consider toning things down, dropping the name calling, and realizing that often times in science (nursing included) controlled research findings will supersede the opinions and experience of an individual...especially an individual who loses credibility with unprofessional conversation.

Thank you for sharing your "opinion". and you may be right, research may supersede my opinion, but as it stands right no, at this juncture, there is not enough evidence to change my mind. As far as name calling is concerned, I simply stated "stow the attitude Sailor" (a figure of speech), which hardly classifies as name calling. So maybe you should clarify what name calling is. Furthermore, I don't really care how combative or over confident you think I seem. I didn't start this argument, I simply gave my opinion on a subject, and Boston FNP decided to "challenge" that opinion in a condescending manner. I assure you there will be many nurses on this board and otherwise who feel much the way I do about this subject. And NO, you cant just disregard experience in the face of limited research.

[Mark Hill BSN]

I am biased in my own opinion.....so this is my reference point. I had a total of 14 yrs nursing exp when I became an APN. In my area we do not have any direct entry programs at this time.

I think my nursing experience tremendously helped me as a APN.

I also believe that where the APN works, to some extent, will have a great deal to do with how much their experience will help them. For example, a great deal of hospital experience may not be as valuable in the primary care setting as it will be in the ER, hospitalist, or critical car arenas. I will have almost 23 years of experience as an RN when I start practicing, I certainly don't see how that will be a disadvantage. Still just my opinion.....

[trein]

Yes, of course acute care will help an acute care NP, but my question was if only a year of acute care will hurt me as a FNP?

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

Thank you for sharing your "opinion". and you may be right research may supersede my opinion, but as it stands right no, at this juncture, there is not enough evidence to change my mind. As far as name calling is concerned, I simply stated "stow the attitude Sailor" (a figure of speech), which hardly classifies as name calling. So maybe you should clarify what name calling is. Furthermore, I don't really care how combative or over confident you think I seem. I didn't start this argument, I simply gave my opinion on a subject, and Boston FNP decided to "challenge" that opinion in a condescending manner. I assure you there will be many nurses on this board and otherwise who feel much the way I do about this subject. And NO, you cant just disregard experience in the face of limited research.[/quote']

In my experience with individuals who have continued to the APN or PA role I agree with Mark that experience, in more positive ways than negative, does have an effect on one's abilities, thinking/reasoning patterns etc.... I think that's the case with most professions in general. Of course one can also pick up bad habits from experience as well, habits which could make your transition into a new role more difficult than easy. I don't think anyone is refuting those points though. I can also say that I've seen many flourish as new PAs or NPs with limited nursing experience.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree that the APN or PAs success is contingent on a combination of their training, what they put into their training, and the continued willingness to learn and be molded as new evidence based information is released.

[Mark Hill BSN]

Yes, of course acute care will help an acute care NP, but my question was if only a year of acute care will hurt me as a FNP?

Which is why I stated that I felt like a nurse with limited experience could thrive, "but" In my "opinion" one will be doing "themselves" an injustice by not having more experience. I have never suggested that an inexperienced RN could not succeed or even thrive. I would dare say, that if you asked inexperienced RN pursuing an NP, most would tell you (if they were honest) that they would feel more comfortable with "more" experience....its really common sense.

[trein]

I guess I have to ask... More experienced in what? DO I AS A NURSE WHO WANTS TO WORK IN A CLINIC NEED MORE HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE?

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I guess I have to ask... More experienced in what? DO I AS A NURSE WHO WANTS TO WORK IN A CLINIC NEED MORE HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE?

I think that clinical experience can only enhance your skills as a FNP. Learning the subtleties of illness and in dealing with people can only enhance your FNP skills.

While I personally believe that clinical skills are a necessity for advanced practice for you need to know the basics before you can "advance" your practice....Many APRN's do just fine without it. You might fine school more challenging for learning advanced practice diagnosis and differential diagnosis while basic symptoms/critical thinking are still new...but many have done well without this experience.

Experience is always valuable and helps you be a better practitioner...is it a requirement? Not for all programs.

What do you mean by HURT you?

[BostonRN13]

I guess I have to ask... More experienced in what? DO I AS A NURSE WHO WANTS TO WORK IN A CLINIC NEED MORE HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE?

I don't think so. Will you be hired for a clinic job without hospital experience ? Yes, but it may take longer. Will you learn the ropes anyways despite not having hospital experience? If you have had the intelligence and determination to make it through school and graduate then why not ?