New grad in Community Health Nursing & NP School

Published

Hello,

I am a new grad and I am looking into community health nursing. I have always known that community health is where I want to be and where I want to build my career. Things are looking good at a certain job and I am very excited. I know public health is my "calling".

The thing is, one of my potential goals is to eventually become a nurse practitioner in primary care for underserved populations. I really want to work at the position that seems to be opening up for me, but I am scared that I will not get into a good NP program with community health experience. In the nursing world, I feel like non-acute care jobs are snubbed at. I don't see myself working in the hospital setting long-term, but I do see myself in public health long-term. Any community health nurses who eventually became NP's here?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Primary Care, Progressive Care.

Not sure where you got this information but my classmates have different nursing backgrounds.... Which means not everyone had acute care experience. Although my school required a resume as part of FNP admission, the BSN grades and long essay had more weight.

When looking for a primary care NP job here in San Diego, acute care experience as an RN is not really an advantage either so not sure why this would be required. Also, lots of NP programs that are admitting students without any RN experience at all. But this is California.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Not sure where you got this information but my classmates have different nursing backgrounds.... Which means not everyone had acute care experience. Although my school required a resume as part of FNP admission, the BSN grades and long essay had more weight.

When looking for a primary care NP job here in San Diego, acute care experience as an RN is not really an advantage either so not sure why this would be required. Also, lots of NP programs that are admitting students without any RN experience at all. But this is California.

Thank you!

I read everywhere that nurse practitioners NEED acute care experience and even my professor from school told me I shouldn't go to NP school unless I work in a hospital. Maybe she's meant acute care NP, but I really want to become a PCP. All of that information made me feel like maybe PA school will be a better route because I was concerned that no one respectable would take me without hospital experience!

I need to meet an NP who only has public health experience so they can teach me/ mentor me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Primary Care, Progressive Care.
Thank you!

I read everywhere that nurse practitioners NEED acute care experience and even my professor from school told me I shouldn't go to NP school unless I work in a hospital. Maybe she's meant acute care NP, but I really want to become a PCP. All of that information made me feel like maybe PA school will be a better route because I was concerned that no one respectable would take me without hospital experience!

I need to meet an NP who only has public health experience so they can teach me/ mentor me.

All I know is that when I applied for FNP school, my RN experience at the hospital was an advantage but not necessarily required. Maybe some schools (maybe other states) require that but Cal State University don't. Now that I am looking for a job, my 8 years of acute care experience doesn't really make me more marketable in primary care clinics.

I will be working at a community clinic after I pass my NP board exams. Already have the job waiting for me. I could be your mentor, if you don't meet anyone else that has more experience. Community/public health is FUN! I feel needed and more appreciated in the communities.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion