I'm planning to apply to an alternate entry MSN program which offers specializtion in multiple fields. My first and foremost interest is in the NNP option but I am open to others. I want to make sure I find the right fit for me in all regards. My chief concern with this option is the closest Children's Hospital/NICU is over an hour away, and I can't relocate. Travel is not that big of a deal except after time I think I would grow weary of how long the drive is--after a long hard day I don't think I'd like driving an hour and fifteen minutes home each day. I do have a hospital that is thirty minutes away (I travel to that city every day as it is so the travel is not an issue at all) that has a nursery unit and pediatric unit.
My Question is: What are the different venues NNP can work within? From the way people have descibed NNPs they are limited to the NICU. Is this true? If not, would a NNP be useful in a pediatric unit at a non-Children's hospital? What about private practice (on their own or with a pediatric clinic)??
Like I said, this option would be my top choice and if I could be useful at my local hospital in either the nursery, pediatric unit, or in a private practice setting I would be much more comfortable claiming this track (though I probably will anyways).
The advantage of a MEPN course is that you go straight through the BSN and on to the Masters. In this case you start the program, finish the BSN, then get 2 years experience in a NICU (one year has to be in a level 3) then take the GRE and then enter the masters part of the program. Hopefully this is what you meant? In that case why not finish the BSN, go to work as a nurse and see what you like? Then you are not tied to an NP degree that may not be practical for the area you are in and may not be employeable.
I can't speak for NPs but a lot of PAs end up in areas they never expected to be because they didn't know about them. I was sure that I was going into neurosurgery and ended up in pediatric GI. You don't know whats out there until you are there.
Just some random advice from a guy on the internet
David Carpenter, PA-C
Yes, that is how the program is set up...if you go in non-BSN prepared. I personally found that applying to graduate programs BSN prepared you end up avoiding taking some additional classes as each college is different.
I found out from Dr. Bellflower at UT Memphis that the job outlook for NNP's is actually increasing. She told me that the average salary for their graduates starting is mid-70's and they were getting multiple job offers...not just 2 or 3 but 7 or 8.
I think this has to do with the technology...that many of these babies that would otherwise die are actually living (for a time, anyway...and that's another debate) and the increasing number of multiple births.
That is also coupled with the very small number of NNP programs.
I found out from Dr. Bellflower at UT Memphis that the job outlook for NNP's is actually increasing. She told me that the average salary for their graduates starting is mid-70's and they were getting multiple job offers...not just 2 or 3 but 7 or 8.
quote]
Mid-70's is very low. You can work in South Texas and make between 105-125K per year working three 12 hr shifts per week plus awesome benefits.
Prior to 2005, NNP programs didn't require 2 years of experience. I knew a direct entry NNP student at Vanderbilt and she went to work as a RN in the NICU after graduation because she didn't feel ready to work as a NNP. I can't even imagine entering a program like that without any experience! I'm glad the rules have changed. However, PA's are allowed to work in the NICU...UNBELIEVABLE!
Another thing, I remember the NNP students complaining about the low pass rate of the NNP exam. Apparently, the pass rate is less than 50%.
I found out from Dr. Bellflower at UT Memphis that the job outlook for NNP's is actually increasing. She told me that the average salary for their graduates starting is mid-70's and they were getting multiple job offers...not just 2 or 3 but 7 or 8.
quote]
Mid-70's is very low. You can work in South Texas and make between 105-125K per year working three 12 hr shifts per week plus awesome benefits.
Prior to 2005, NNP programs didn't require 2 years of experience. I knew a direct entry NNP student at Vanderbilt and she went to work as a RN in the NICU after graduation because she didn't feel ready to work as a NNP. I can't even imagine entering a program like that without any experience! I'm glad the rules have changed. However, PA's are allowed to work in the NICU...UNBELIEVABLE!
Another thing, I remember the NNP students complaining about the low pass rate of the NNP exam. Apparently, the pass rate is less than 50%.
Well, it's like anything else...depends on where you live. RN's in California would think that the $20 starting salary around here is low...then again, I don't have to pay $400,000 for a starter home either. You can easily buy one for $120 to $150,000 all day long.
She didn't say anything about the low-pass rate of the NNP exam, but I'll do some research on that as well. Again, it's like anything else...you don't know what to expect until you sit down and take the exam.
Well, it's like anything else...depends on where you live. RN's in California would think that the $20 starting salary around here is low...then again, I don't have to pay $400,000 for a starter home either. You can easily buy one for $120 to $150,000 all day long.
She didn't say anything about the low-pass rate of the NNP exam, but I'll do some research on that as well. Again, it's like anything else...you don't know what to expect until you sit down and take the exam.
The median price of a house around here is 125K, so 120K per year goes a very long way. You need to go to an area where there are no NNP programs around and there are plenty of places like that.
justme1972
2,441 Posts
Yes, that is how the program is set up...if you go in non-BSN prepared. I personally found that applying to graduate programs BSN prepared you end up avoiding taking some additional classes as each college is different.
I found out from Dr. Bellflower at UT Memphis that the job outlook for NNP's is actually increasing. She told me that the average salary for their graduates starting is mid-70's and they were getting multiple job offers...not just 2 or 3 but 7 or 8.
I think this has to do with the technology...that many of these babies that would otherwise die are actually living (for a time, anyway...and that's another debate) and the increasing number of multiple births.
That is also coupled with the very small number of NNP programs.