I've tried searching & haven't been successful, so accept my apologies if this info is on the boards & I've missed it...
I've got my ADN (May '10), a BA in another field. I want to become a nurse practitioner, I think. I initially set out to become a bariatric coordinator, but am rethinking that.
So how does one become a NP? Do I go for my MSN then take the test for NP? I think Acute Care Nurse Practitioner sounds most interesting to me at this point. Would that require additional certification?
I've been reading on various websites, but I guess all the information is getting jumbled - I'm getting confused & seem to have more questions than answers!
Not sure where you are but cal state long beach in southern california has an accelerated MSN-NP program (their specialities include, FNP, adult-geriatric, psych-mental health, pediatric, and I think there are one or two more I am leaving out). To apply you must have a BA/BS. You do not need a BSN because you receive the BSN halfway through the program. Since you already have a ADN I am not sure if you would be able to apply to this program or not, but it is definitely something worth looking into. I applied for the fall and am waiting for a response from them... Hope I get in! :)
believe me. i know it can be overwhelming! the good thing is you do have options, right! i would do some shadowing of different np's to truly find out what type of np role you want to fulfill. the acnp is designed for hospitals. so, if you want to be in a clinic setting doing the 9-5, this may not be for you. depending on the states rules and regulations each np specialty has their own scope and standard, which can be very practice limiting and specific. anp is a good route, if you don't care to see children. some hospitals will hire anp's and fnp's, and i've seen more hospitals going to the acnp role. take the time to figure out how you really want to practice and lifestyle you want. i am at johns hopkins. best of luck!
that's a big help. i've done the 9-5 thing for so long, i'm tired of it. seems like more & more doctors are selling their practices to hospitals too. i have zero desire to see kids (mine are enough, thankyouverymuch! ) thanks for all the info, you've given me a lot to think about!
Actually, the 2015 "deadline" is only a recommendation at this point. No state has enacted legislation yet to make this legal. There are many MSN programs still out there
Schools are in the business of selling credit hours, so no surprise they're all pushing for more required schooling.
Still, that's the way the world is going, so you will likely have to go for a doctorate sooner or later. And it doesn't get easier when you get older. :)
Specializes in MED SURG/GERIATRIC ADMIN/ CORRECTIONS.
okay....University of Mississippi offers the RN to MSN degree. They have nurse educator (fully online), FNP (first year completely online), ACNP (again first year completely online) ...second year is practice and school...They also have mental health nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, and CRNA! (CRNA requires working in ICU for a year or two i believe)
) thanks for all the info, you've given me a lot to think about!
:)
JDPBSN
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Joel- are you all on that side of the world going to a DNP education? What's the consensus over there?